Are you thinking of writing a book and not quite sure where to begin? Walter Dean Myers draws from his many years of experience, with over 100 published books, in Just Write: Here’s How, his guide to writing a novel aimed at actual young adults.
Just Write: Here's How
Full disclosure: I have no interest in being an author. I do, however like to read about the craft. Also? This is kind of silly, but quick reads generally get pushed to the top of my to be read list.
What I found to be the most striking about Just Write: Here’s How besides the bite size length was the tone. Walter Dean Myers dispenses his writing advice in a very frank fashion which I found to be very appealing. I also think the tone and style of Dean’s writing – which is pretty much to the point – meets teens on their level without being condescending.
As for the merit of Walter Dean Myer’s advice, I think it comes from a place of vast experience. He writes about developing work ethic and I think that he has a great point. Whenever I go to signings, the writers inevitably talk about how much they write per day – for some it’s a page goal, others word count, and for some a specific amount of time. Like, the authors I see who succeed definitely seem to have that work ethic where they spend a heck of a lot of time at their craft. So, yeah, solid advice I guess. He also talks about drawing from life experiences, research and outlines.
Just Write: Here’s How by Walter Dean Myers is a relatively quick read with less than 170 pages, which, honestly, I think will endear it to some teens. I think that it would be an asset to the English/Language Arts classroom library and will certainly draw in youth who might not give other books on writing and the craft a second glance, and why not nurture writing the way Myers does?
Disclosure: Received for review.
Other reviews of Just Write: Here’s How by Walter Dean Myers:
So there’s none on goodreads. Boo. IF you review this, drop me your link in the comments and I will be more than pleased to add it up here.
Books By Walter Dean Myers I’ve Reviewed:
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I think a lot of what you need to know about writing is on the cover of the book: JUST WRITE.
True facts, that cover is legit. There’s a little more inside though, hahaha.
I thought you may have been writing a book for a minute 🙂 I don’t have the patience to be an author myself haha. And I agree short reads are a lot of fun and I often bump them up too.
HA HA Giselle. I am glad I am not the only blogger without any aspirations of being a writer.
I ALWAYS bump short reads up just because I like getting them done and then getting rid of them after.
I wish I’d have had a book like this when I was in high school!! I loved writing; but there wasn’t really any “guidance” beyond my boring composition teacher
*lol*
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Awww, see that’s why I think Just Write: Here’s How would be great in the classroom library, because some kids don’t get that nurturing of the craft and well, I think you find that in this book.
Walter Dean Meyer is so smart and he really appeals to my students–I’ll have to suggest this book to my writers! Definitely adding this to my ELA bookshelf.
It’s cool to hear that Walter Dean Myers appeals to kids in real life. I hope your students do check this one out. 🙂