Examines the composing processes of basic writers, examining their tendencies toward writer's block, low-level goals, and writer-based prose. Suggests that basic writers be taught that the purpose of writing is to communicate with other people and that errors, revisions, and general messiness are part of the complicated process. (PAA)

Describes the writing theories of Lev Vygotsky, and how they are borne out by modern research. Asserts the Vygotsky's ideas show why cooperative learning strategies such as peer response groups fit into the beginning stages of the composing process. Discusses Vygotsky's zone of proximal development. (PRA)

Describes how Bette Green, popular author of adolescent fiction, goes about the business of writing. Speaks out particularly against the violence and oppression experienced by many gay and lesbian youth in American schools. (HB)

Examines two works, "Pnin" (1957) and "Pale Fire" (1962), by writer Vladimir Nabokov, a polyglot with strong metalinguistic awareness. Shows how Nabokov used a polylinguistic matrix to create a subtext partially accessible to monoglots but only fully comprehensible to those who know several languages, literatures and histories.…

Presents an interview with Oliver Sachs. Discusses his approach to writing, including the physical pen-and-ink approach as opposed to using a word processor; his use of journals; his motivation for writing; his approach to revision; and his view of himself as a writer. (NH)

Investigates whether concreteness was related to a key characteristic of written composition--the cumulative sentence with a final modifier--which has been consistently associated with higher quality writing. Supports the conceptual-peg hypothesis of dual coding theory, with concrete verbs providing the pegs on which cumulative sentences are…

Focuses on the nominal expressions in the discourse on management. Finds that these nominals recursively delete not only agent roles but also those of experiencer, object, and goal, and at the same time conflate the interests of researchers and managers. Suggests that management nominals are a particularly intense expression of modernity itself.…

A shift in emphasis from product to process has had a profound influence on the way writing is taught. Articles in this theme issue focus on developing the ability to write for communication, the ability to manage the writing process, and an understanding of the social context in which the writing process is embedded. (SLD)

Presents Hans Christian Andersen award-winner Uri Orlev discussing his life, work, and reflections on writing books for children. Discusses how because Orlev grew up during the Holocaust, many of his books reflect his experiences; these books were often shared by psychologists with children who had lost a parent during the war. Discusses…

Presents an interview with John H. Ritter discussing his life, his books, his views on sports literature, and a variety of other subjects. Discusses in particular his two novels "Choosing Up Sides," and "Over the Wall." Describes how he uses baseball scenes as metaphors to depict difficult choices that kids are dealing with. (SC)

Discusses how the author uses her nightmares to get ideas for her writing. Describes "Speak," one particular young adult novel inspired by a nightmare that she guesses was provoked by memories of her older sister coming of age. Discusses the exploration and impact of cliques or clans among adolescents. (SC)

Investigates normative longitudinal change in student writing during college. Selects nine measures as good representatives of nine factors--factors of independent and bound ideas, idea elaboration and substantiation, local cohesion, establishment of logical boundaries, free modification, fluency, and vocabulary. Finds that eight of the nine…

Discusses how the author and a colleague made a short videotape of students talking about their writing experiences. Describes first steps, arrangements and questions, the shoot itself, and crafting the video. Discusses uses of this video, noting the impact this infusion of student voices can have in the composition classroom, influencing the way…

Interviews poet Janet Wong, writer of six collections of poetry for children. Discusses how she moved from despising poetry to writing it, her writing processes, her life history and mentors (including her work with Myra Cohn Livingston), her extensive work with poetry in the schools, and her insights on cross cultural matters. (SR)

Claims that increasing numbers of reading educators are looking to recent advances in holistic writing assessment to explore new potentials for assessing reading comprehension. Reports on a research project exploring use of freewriting to assess reading comprehension; describes use of written retellings as a tool to support reading; and presents a…