For over two decades, What a Writer Needs by Ralph Fletcher has been a bestseller in teacher preparation programs throughout the US. The book has been trusted in classrooms and even in district in-services. The second edition of the book is even more powerful for students to sharpen their writing skills and for teachers. Anecdotal and personal, it comprises affluence of samples of lively writing derived from professionals and student writers. Reading the book leaves one with an experience of Ralph’s careful attention to students and their work, his incredible experience on the essentials of excellent writing, and instructional insight. In the book, Ralph offers a crash course on writing elements, touching on various issues and aspects such as having a compelling voice, coming up with vivid details, believable characters, and a sense of tension. Readers are left with more profound writing knowledge. In the latest edition, Ralph has gone to the extent of adding two completely new chapters, with also a fully updated list of suggested mentors which he has handpicked
Chapter twelve commences with a nostalgic mood, the author reminisces his senior high school days. He had a strong bond with his baby sister, and it was tough for him to leave her while going to college. Their love for each other is seen even in their social life. While the brother had home chores to attend to, he still played with her younger sister, and when it was inevitable to attend to home chores, he would plead with his sister to allow him they play at some other time. The chapter then proceeds to dissect how writers master their prowess. Particularly it is noted that writers have particular mentors who act as role models. They read the works of these role models and master from their prowess. Some of the role model writers named by Ralph include Virginia Woof, Thomas Mann, Anton Chekhov, William Maxwell, and James agree. The reader can know how they too can master writing by following the insights the author offers. For example, from the assertion, “I keep an eye out for killer sentences like that or like the lovely one, I found on Atticus a novel by Ron Hansen. (Fletcher, 1992, p. 145)” Readers can discern that reading novels can sharpen their writing skills. The author quotes new questions and says that without them, he wouldn’t have known how to place the words any better. This exemplifies the author’s recommendation to the reader to read more books.
The chapter also speaks regarding boys’ body language and how their body language tends to be riskier than that of girls. Teachers are beseeched to accept the language. The reader can discern fletcher offering some novel suggestions that classrooms should adopt. He recommends the acceptance of pop language in student writing. Search for students that put down other students’ work and warn them against such action and negative comments about writers. He offers a two-step strategy of conferencing as a way to communicate with students successfully openly. Teachers should boost student writing by complimenting aspects of student writing, irrespective of how small, and then giving suggestions that will help improve the craft of writing in a piece.
In conclusion, fletcher dives deep into how to be a successful writer and the importance of quality mentors. I found the chapter informative, and I have much to apply to improve my writing skills. Generally, fletcher is pushing teachers and students alike to sharpen their writing skills without considering the teacher superior to the student but views both as needing to broaden their writing skills.
Reference
Fletcher, R. (1992). What a Writer Needs” by. Heinemann Educational Books.