"Never hesitate to imitate another writer. Imitation is part of the creative process for anyone learning an art or craft."
-William Zinsser
-William Zinsser
Models are our mentors--supporting and inspiring. Mentor text offers a vision of what writing is and can be, acting as anchors for writers to learn any of the ten things. Like scientists, writers observe. Through active analysis of the texts and experimentation, you integrate what you learn from the study of models into your own writing. Reading like writers, every encounter with a text is a writing lesson.
-Jeff Anderson
Step One: Read/Notice
- Read the excerpt as a class.
- In groups, decide which words or phrases stand out to you. (Notice)
- Discuss as a class, rereading those words or phrases. (Observe)
- Let the text show you what it has to teach.
What does this text do well?
How and where does the author use specific details?
Step Two: Analyze/Interact and Name
Use the above excerpt.
- Discuss and analyze how the author achieves what you notice.
- What purpose does the dialogue serve?
- What might we learn about choosing relevant details?
- How does the author keep the reader engaged?
- How can you apply these strategies to your own writing?
Step Three: Emulate/Experiment and Reflect
Experiment as Frank Baum did above. Find a door from somewhere in this building and spend some time peering through it.
Ensure that you remember what you've discussed about setting, dialogue, and well=chosen, specific details. Use Baum's sentence structure, replacing his words with yours. Read your pieces and discuss:
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