A Book Club for Writers: Spilling Ink

In this 7 week class we will meet weekly to discuss the book Spilling Ink. 
Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook by Anne Mazer & Ellen Potter
This book offers advice, writing prompts and ideas, and more to budding writers. It is at times serious and silly. This is a great book for learners at all stages of their writing journey.

Week 1: No Reading Due before class
Topics - Introductions, Critique Expectations, Class Expectations
*In-Class: Learners and teacher will introduce themselves. Learners and teacher will share things like what they like to read, what they like to write, what they hope to write, etc.
I have, Who has - Authors and Books, Poets and Poems, Writers and Quotes
*After Class: Learners will complete weekly writing prompts and share them in the classroom or during the next class. Learners will read assigned chapters from Spilling Ink

Week 2: Discussion of the Introduction + Pages 1-45 (Chapters 1-6)
Topics - Getting Started with writing, First Drafts, Inspiration, Characters, Story Ideas
*In-Class: Learners and teacher will discuss the book's introduction and chapters 1-6. 
I have, Who has - Characters and Character Types
*After Class: Learners will complete weekly writing prompts and share them in the classroom or during the next class. Learners will read assigned chapters from Spilling Ink

Week 3: Discussion of Pages 46-93 (Chapters 7-10)
Topics - Planning & Plotting, Narrative Voice, Story Starts, Setting
*In-Class: Learners and teacher will discuss chapters 7-10. 
I have, Who has - Setting and Genre
*After Class: Learners will complete weekly writing prompts and share them in the classroom or during the next class. Learners will read assigned chapters from Spilling Ink

Week 4: Discussion of Pages 94-143 (Chapters 11-15)
Topics - Suspense & Tension, Titles, Dialogue, Description, Illustrations
*In-Class: Learners and teacher will discuss chapters 11-15
Description Depiction: Describing Settings, people, things
*After Class: Learners will complete weekly writing prompts and share them in the classroom or during the next class. Learners will read assigned chapters from Spilling Ink

Week 5: Discussion of Pages 144-181 (Chapters 16-20)
Topics - Metaphors & Similes, Story Endings, Revision, Journaling, Memoir, Autobiography, Writing with a Partner (Co-Authors)
*In-Class: Learners and teacher will discuss chapters 16-20. 
Metaphor Vs Simile: Spotting Metaphors and Similes
*After Class: Learners will complete weekly writing prompts and share them in the classroom or during the next class. Learners will read assigned chapters from Spilling Ink

Week 6: Discussion of Pages 183-212 (Chapters 21-26)
Topics - The Writing Process, Audience, Readers, Writers, Writer's Block, Writing Identity
*In-Class: Learners and teacher will discuss chapters 21-26
I have, Who has - Steps of the Writing Process
*After Class: Learners will complete weekly writing prompts and share them in the classroom or during the next class. Learners will read assigned chapters from Spilling Ink

Week 7: Discussion of Pages 213- End (Chapters 27-31)
Topics - Plagiarism vs Inspiration, Writing & Writers' Habits, Types of Writers, Critique & Criticism, A Writer's Life
*In-Class: Learners and teacher will discuss Chapters 27-31.
Final Thoughts: Learners will have time to discuss their overall thoughts on the book and begin crafting their final reflections.
*After Class: Learners will complete a Final Reflection. (This is optional but encouraged for serious writers)