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.
Writing Coaching Candidate #5: The Screenwriter and Playwright
The journey from script to screen or stage is intricate, involving not just the crafting of believable conversations in artificial settings, but also the ability to visualize (and ultimately externalize) written scenes and characters in a visceral way. Creative writing coaches can facilitate this process, aiding screenwriters and playwrights like Laura and Raj to bring their visions to life.
Writing Coaching Candidate #4: The Memoirist
Every memoir is a completely individual endeavor, yet it requires a level of universality to engage a wider readership. Creative nonfiction coaches play a pivotal role in this delicate balancing act, helping memoirists like Michael and Anita craft their life stories into compelling narratives.
A Writing Tutor’s Practical Strategies for Metacognitive Education
The development of metacognitive abilities in students is increasingly recognized as a key factor in enhancing learning outcomes. Accordingly, educators should study specific techniques for teaching them. At the Gilliam Writers Group, we feel that internet-based tutors are uniquely positioned to foster these skills, especially since the “mainstream-ification” of remote learning platforms.
Writing Coaching Candidate #3: The Business Professional
In the corporate world, effective communication is key to success, but often, the challenge lies in presenting ideas that are both clear and engaging. Creative business writing coaches help clients like Emma and Tom help bridge this gap, bringing a touch of narrative flair to the corporate landscape.
Metacognition & Education: How GWG’s Writing Tutors Navigate the Learning Mind
At the Gilliam Writers Group, we understand that writing is more than just stringing words together; it's a reflective, strategic process. This is where metacognition, the awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes, becomes pivotal. Our writing tutors not only guide our students in mastering language and structure but also in developing a metacognitive approach to writing. This involves teaching them to think about their thinking, strategize their learning, and reflect on their writing practices.
Writing Coaching Candidate #2: The Poet
When a poet seeks to distill emotions and fleeting impressions into words, every syllable can carry weight. A creative writing coach helps poets harness this power, guiding them to capture the essence of their thoughts and feelings in verse.
Writing Coaching Candidate #1: The Aspiring Novelist
Aspiring novelists generally approach the canvas of their imagination brimming with ideas, yet the path from concept to a well-structured novel can be labyrinthine. A creative writing coach steps in as a navigator, transforming the nebulous into the tangible.
A Comprehensive Guide for Writing Tutors on Assessing and Encouraging Student Progress
Writing is a complex skill that involves various cognitive processes and creative elements, making it challenging to teach and assess. For writing tutors, the task of evaluating student progress and encouraging continual growth requires a multi-faceted approach. In today’s post, I will outline several effective methods that the savvy writing tutor can employ to accurately assess and foster student development in writing and reading.
Metacognition in Focus: Understanding Its Impact on Learning and Psychological Well-Being
Metacognition, a term coined in the late 1970s, refers to the awareness and control of one's own thought processes. It's a concept that might sound abstract at first, but it plays a fundamental role in how we learn, solve problems, and perceive our own abilities. At its simplest, metacognition is thinking about thinking, or being aware of one's awareness.
Cultivating Critical Minds: 14 Writing Exercises from Gilliam Writers Group Tutors
In a world of fast-paced information and polarized viewpoints, critical thinking stands out as a non-negotiable skill for today’s students. The Gilliam Writers Group understands this; each writing tutor on our faculty has crafted their own suite of exercises that aim not only to sharpen students' critical faculties but also to broaden their creative horizons.
The Rise of Book Writing Coaches in the American Literary Economy
In the ever-evolving landscape of American literature, a new player has emerged as a pivotal figure: the book writing coach. This article delves into the growth and intricacies of the book coaching industry, examining its burgeoning role in the broader literary economy and its interplay with more traditional literary sectors.
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.