
Welcome to our informational blog.
Topics covered include literary theory and practice, academic writing techniques, philosophy of education, and explanations of our methods for enhancing creative intelligence.
Luminaries: Gaston Bachelard and the Writerly Imagination
For writing coaches and their clients, Gaston Bachelard's insights into the nature of imagination, the importance of spatial metaphors, and the intertwining of memory and poetic imagery can offer invaluable guidance. His philosophy encourages a deeper engagement with the subjective and imaginative aspects of writing, urging writers to explore beyond the surface of the literal and the rational.
Exploring the Etymology of "Writing": Tutors and the Craft
In the realm of writing tutoring and literary education, understanding the history of our discipline’s name can be both illuminating and transformative for students. Learning the etymology of the word "writing" is not just a linguistic excursion but a window into the evolution of human communication and expression over time. As we trace the semantic roots of this fundamental skill from the ancient times to the present day, we gain insights that inform our work.
The Power of Etymology in Enhancing Writing Skills: A Writing Coach's Notes
For writers, etymology can be a powerful tool, opening up new vistas of language and enhancing your craft in various ways. This essay explores how an understanding of etymology can enrich a writer's skill set, adding depth, precision, and creativity to their work. We’ll also provide examples of how a professional writing coach might support you in this endeavor.
Overcoming Writer's Block: Timeless Techniques from Famous Authors
Writer's block is a common challenge that writers of all levels face, but it's not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, many famous authors have faced and overcome this creative obstacle, often developing unique and effective strategies. Let's delve into some of these techniques, offering inspiration and practical advice for modern writers seeking to reignite their creative spark.
The Vital Role of Formal Grammar in Developing Writing Proficiency
Despite grammar’s fundamental role, many educational institutions have shifted their focus away from traditional grammar instruction — a change that raises questions about the potential effects of this reduced emphasis on students' ability to write effectively in measurable and consistent ways. This trend underscores the role writing tutors can play in providing essential grammar education.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Creative Writing
Creative writing isn't just a way to tell stories; it's a powerful tool for personal development and emotional healing. Recent peer-reviewed studies have highlighted the numerous benefits of this artistic practice — benefits you can experience for yourself under the guidance of a professional writing coach or writing tutor.
The Top 10 Literary Depictions of Autumn: A Writing Coach's Guide
For many, autumn awakens the impulse to write, to explore the depths of personal experience, to make sense of our internal rhythms that mirror the external world. But harnessing this desire to create something tangible can be elusive, like trying to catch the leaves that flutter from branch to ground. This is where the guidance of a skilled writing coach can be invaluable.
Embracing the Moral Heart of Writing Tutoring: Insights from David Hansen's Educational Philosophy
In his book "The Moral Heart of Teaching," philosopher David Hansen embarks on a profound exploration of the ethical core of educational practice. Hansen articulates the belief that teaching is not merely a profession but a vocation rooted in moral responsibility. His arguments can be applied to educational settings and pedagogical traditions beyond conventional classroom learning, and are especially relevant to the nuanced work of writing tutoring.
Editor, Tutor, Coach: Understanding Their Unique Roles in the Writing World
Whether you're a seasoned author or a beginner trying to put your thoughts into words, you might come across these three professional types in your writing journey: the editor, the writing tutor, and the writing coach. Though they all aim to elevate your work, each serves a distinct purpose.
What Is a Writing Coach? A Brief History of the Profession
While the term "writing coaching" might be a relatively new label, the concept of guiding and mentoring writers is age-old. Today's writing coaches are a natural evolution of various roles and needs throughout history, tailored to the modern context.
“English Lag”: Tutoring as a Remedy against Falling Behind during Covid-19
The Gilliam Writers Group offers academic writing tutoring services that can have a positive impact on your writing skills and academic success. Whether you're seeking an academic writing tutor online or a private tutor for academic writing, the Gilliam Writers Group is an invaluable resource.
The Staying Power of Live Tutoring amid the A.I. Revolution
Live tutoring remains a crucial component of education, complementing the benefits of A.I.-powered tutoring systems. While A.I. chatbots offer certain advantages, they cannot replace the human touch and the empathetic support that live tutors provide. Live tutoring enables real-time interaction, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter and addressing individual learning needs.
Marianne Moore's "Poetry" and the Journey of Becoming a Poet
A poetry writing coach provides personalized guidance, helping us refine our voice, explore techniques, and structure our verses. They foster an environment where our raw ideas can flourish into impactful, genuine poetry.
Boost Your Confidence in Written Communication with a Business Writing Coach
Investing in a business writing coaching service is a smart move for any ambitious professional. By partnering with a skilled writing coach, you're making an investment in your career growth and personal development.
Enhancing Adolescent Writing Skills IV: How We Operationalize the 2007 “Writing Next” Report
As professional writing tutors, we rely on a mix of personal experience and research when designing our lesson plans & determining how to improve student outcomes. Like many in our field, we have found the “Writing Next” report to be an invaluable resource for teaching our students how to write not only “well,” but compellingly, with gusto and inspiration. Read on to learn why you should hire a writing tutor online.
The Evolving Role of Private Tutors: A Writing Tutor’s Historical Overview
In the age of digital innovation, the art of tutoring has undergone profound transformations. While today’s educators have access to more advanced tools and platforms than ever before, our core principle of one-on-one instruction has its roots in the deepest bedrock of educational history. Join us as we trace the footsteps of legendary tutor-student duos and discover how the past has informed today's tutoring landscape.
How to Get Back to Writing Starting Right Now
This season, many of us are settling back into our routines and wondering: How can I connect with my creativity again? There is a lot of good advice out there: prompts, good attitude, workshops. But when you already have a personal writing coach, I’ve found that the most effective way to empower yourself is by dedicating a new space in your own home for writing (and writing only.)
Enhancing Adolescent Writing Skills III: How Our Online Tutors Use the “Writing Next” Report
This is the second-to-last blog post in our series on the 2007 research report titled "Writing Next: Effective strategies to improve writing of adolescents in middle and high schools.” In today’s post, we’ll summarize the next three instructional strategies outlined in the report, and explain how our online writing tutors use them to enhance the writing skills of adolescent learners.
Enhancing Adolescent Writing Skills II: How Gilliam Writers Group Implements Effective Instructional Strategies
How do our online writing tutors do what they do so well? What research-based methods do we use to teach our students? Here’s our take on the first five effective instructional practices identified in the influential 2007 report titled "Writing Next: Effective strategies to improve writing of adolescents in middle and high schools.”
Enhancing Adolescent Writing Skills I: Evidence-Based Tutoring & the "Writing Next" Report
Strong writing skills are essential for cognitive and intellectual development. At Gilliam Writers Group, our writing tutors are committed to helping adolescents in middle and high schools improve their writing skills through evidence-based educational approaches. In this blog post, we’ll discuss an influential 2007 report titled "Writing Next: Effective strategies to improve writing of adolescents in middle and high schools."