Just Write!: Ten Practical Workshops for Successful Student Writing

Kathleen James-Cavan is an assistant professor of English and the
University of Saskatachewan.

Gunnery’s enthusiasm for writing and for teaching writing fairly
spills off the pages of this concise instructional text. Through 11
chapters, she outlines techniques for initiating and fostering student
writing (whether short fiction or poetry, drama or exposition), suggests
innovative ways of teaching students to write the traditional literary
essay, and shares tips for evaluating and celebrating students’
writing. Forthright comments from students reflecting on the exercises
and accounts of real classroom experiences punctuate the step-by-step
outlines of the workshops. This refreshing approach does not insist that
the methods will be universally effective, and Gunnery includes an
honest glance at the reluctant writer.

The book’s main defect is its narrow focus, reinforced by the
startling reiteration of the phrase “us teachers.” Although the
phrase assumes intimacy with the reader, it also places a barrier
between student and teacher that is in conflict with Gunnery’s
philosophy of the writing teacher as guide. The fact that there is no
mention of the use of the computer as a writing tool is unfortunate
(perhaps a second edition is needed to address this topic). More samples
of student writing would help to round out the workshops.

Aimed at teachers in elementary and secondary schools, this book is as
inspirational as it is practical.