A Book Club for Writers: Spilling Ink
In this 7 week course we will read and write about writing. We will be reading the book Spilling Ink.
Crystal Tankersley
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(152)
What's included
7 live meetings
5 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Weekly Readings: **Due Before Class** -- Week 1: No readings due before class -- Week 2: Introduction + Pages 1-45 (Chapters 1-6) -- Week 3: Pages 46-93 (Chapters 7-10) -- Week 4: Pages 94-143 (Chapters 11-15) -- Week 5: Pages 144-181 (Chapters 16-20) -- Week 6: Pages 183-212 (Chapters 21-26) -- Week 7: Discussion of Pages 213- End (Chapters 27-31) Weekly Writing Prompts: Posted each week after class. Final Reflection: OptionalAssessment
**Informal Assessment available by request - based on participation in class discussions* **Formal Assessment available by request - based on participation and assignments turned in and completed. Learners must turn in all assignments for a formal assessment. Available as a letter grade or written report.*Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
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)
Learning Goals
Learners will learn about writing, writers, writing habits, and the writing life.
Learners will explore themselves as writers.
Learners will reflect on their own writing habits, strengths, and areas of improvement.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Single Learner Classes:
- Single learner classes will go ahead as scheduled unless learner and family request otherwise.
- If discussion ends early, learners will have writing time at the end of class.
Supply List
+ Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook by Anne Mazer & Ellen Potter + Notebook and pencil/pen for writing OR able to use Microsoft word or google docs while on Zoom.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.7
152reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a BA in Creative Writing. I have taken and continue to take writing classes to improve my writing expertise. I have written extensively in my life. I love to write and want to share that love of writing with students. There was a time in my life when teachers told me I couldn't write because my writing didn't fit into the "box" they believed Writing was. I have since learned that all authors have their own writing style, technique, and process and that the process that works best for you, the author, is the best process. I want to share this understanding with students and help them discover their own process.
I have not published my first Novel, of which I am currently in the editing and revising stages. The reason for this is that the story is a fantasy novel and I am working hard to build the world in which the story takes place. I have just finished drafting Book two in the series this past NaNoWriMo (2020). Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $140 for 7 classes1x per week, 7 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
1-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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Tutoring
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