Ms. Krista Levely

Ms. Levely's Writer's Craft Philosophy

 

When I took this course in 2000, my teacher at Sherwood Secondary, Mr. Walt Michalsky, inspired me to become both a writer and a teacher of writing. As he told me then and as I will share with you now, this course is rooted in some basic assumptions:

 

1) Writers are thinkers and readers.

 

2) You learn to write by writing. The feedback from your peers and teacher will help you to write better.

 

3) Your writing is public; it is meant to be shared and discussed. Allow yourself to be vulnerable by sharing your writing--and know that everyone in this class belongs to a community meant to support and encourage one another.

 

4) Making mistakes, taking chances, challenging conventions and cliches, and experimenting are all part of a good writer's approach.

 

5) Do not be afraid to tackle controversial topics and sensitive issues.

 

6) A writer is a detective. Therefore, a 'questioning attitude' is essential and requires an open mind, curiosity, a willingness to change your mind, and reflection.

 

7) Style contributes fundamentally to meaning: how you write is just as important as what you write.