This book records the author's creative processes as she wrote the book, presenting a personal journey where all artists will recognize aspects of themselves. The first (and most extensive) part of the book (entitled "Elements of Creativity") reveals universal elements of creativity that mirror the ancient elements in nature:…

The thinking of D. W. Winnicott, pediatrician, psychoanalyst and gifted writer, provides the most effective validation of every kind of devoted labor in literature and the arts which is currently available. Winnicott is important because he has formulated a theory of development which makes creativity central and intrinsic to human nature. One of…

Examines some of the individual works of Leon Garfield. (HOD)

This anthology presents excerpts from the journals of 40 of today's most noted writers, along with their comments on the role of journal-keeping in creating their art. Besides being generally instructional to other writers and a lesson in how to create a personal journal, the anthology is a look at writers in the midst of creating. It includes…

This study examined the creative process through insights offered by 25 artists and writers. The study concludes that the conception of the creative process as a transitional sphere is useful, but there also appear to be creators who mine internal, even autistic, territory and others whose creativity is energized by the external sociopolitical…

Discusses motivation for writing young adult horror books. Gives examples of where and how the author gets ideas. Illustrates several suggestions for classroom application. Suggests paying special attention to puns and other wordplays that flit through the mind. Suggests writing a random list of words and phrases given by brainstorming students…

Describes the problem a creative writer faces when he is associated with only one type of story. (RB)

In an attempt to exorcise cliched, hollow, "voiceless prose," 11 diverse novelists, poets, playwrights, essayists, and critics who are serious teachers of writing share their insights and feelings about their roles as teachers and about writing. Some of the goals expressed in these essays about the relationship between processes of writing and the…

This collection of 12 critical essays--written for teachers, librarians, students, and parents--comments on the style, characterization, sense of wonder, and sense of reality in children's books. Specific subjects covered are (1) the fantasy worlds of Andersen, Beatrix Potter, Walter de la Mare, C. S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, and J. R. R. Tolkien;…

Creative writers (n=20) were interviewed to explore relationships between creativity and the creator's life as a parent and/or spouse. The experience of confronting family-related gender expectations influenced many writers. Writers reported benefits from the family's social support alongside restrictions on the solitude and time necessary for…

Profiles Sherry Stidolph and her ongoing efforts to bring Shakespeare to children. Stidolph uses her knowledge of child development to decide which plays to choose and which elements to emphasize. Includes drawings by the children illustrating scenes from the plays. (MJP)