The Other Side of the Story

Ethel M. King-Shaw is a professor emeritus of curriculum and instruction
at the University of Calgary.

Greenwood and Hancock offer new directions in story writing based on
their experiences as teachers and writers. Rather than outline a
creative writing lesson, they provide guidance aimed at helping teachers
to become “story facilitators.” They base this guidance on the
answers to questions frequently asked in their workshops, and offer
practical help on possible solutions. Frequent excerpts and references
are provided to illustrate their points.

In the beginning the authors focus on developing ideas through
brainstorming and extensive reading. They offer specific suggestions for
promoting self-questioning, and recommend recording thoughts in a
“Story Idea Journal.” They also emphasize developing an awareness of
the beginning, middle, and end—the structure—of good stories.
Finally, they outline a four-step procedure for editing.

The authors have shared guidelines for stimulating story writing that
are contemporary and widely recommended. The process approach is
reflected in their statement that “imagination seizes the form and is
energized by it.”