In my experience as a writing teacher, most students regard writing classes with the same enthusiasm as they do for cavity fillings.  I understand; I really do.  Although I teach writing and am a writer myself, I didn't like learning how to write when I was in school.  But I also wrote constantly in private, filling notebooks with my creative scrawl, and I know that many students are wordsmiths at heart, just like me.  This page is for them and also for students who may not like to write but need a cheery boost.   

Note:  This page is a work-in-progress.  Feel free to email your own ideas, too!

Tools & Aids
Writer's notebooks--space to keep your creative musings. These can take any form, but my favorites are here: www.galison.com​​. Another popular brand is Moleskine--www.moleskine.com or www.bn.com (in the journal department)
Warriner's English Grammar and Composition (introductory, levels 1-6, and complete courses)--Why a textbook as an aid?  Because this one is designed to double as a reference manual.  It's compact and systematic; plus, all rules are in red!
Chromebook--Excellent for students and one of the most affordable laptops available; although it only works with Google apps, you can write anything using Google Docs, file it in Drive, share your work with others, and even collaborate in real time on writing projects!

​QuickStudy laminated study cheat sheets -- Check out Bar Charts Publishing for a variety of easy-to-use writing guides!  barcharts.com

​Pencil grips are typically used by children learning to hold a pencil, but anyone can use them to improve their handwriting!  They come in many styles.

Top Books for Students about Writing

It is a sad fact that most students do not like to take writing classes. I confess that I was one of them. It is not necessarily true, however, that most students do not like to write! When we are not required to do so, writing often becomes more of a joy than a chore.  This list, then, is for all of you who like to write…but on your own terms. The ones in blue are resources that would be excellent additions to a student reference library at least through college:
  1. The Elements of Style, by William Strunk and E.B. White (most recent edition, as language changes!)
  2. The Elements of Grammar, by Margaret Shertzer (most recent edition)
  3. Guide to Rapid Revision, by Daniel D. Pearlman and Paula R. Pearlman (most recent edition)
  4. The Gregg Reference Manual (more thorough than the previous three), by William A. Sabin (most recent edition)
  5. The Little Red Writing Book: 20 Powerful Principles of Structure, Style, and Readability, by Brandon Royal
  6. Writers Inc.:  A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning, by Sebranek, Kemper, and Meyer
  7. Writer's Notebook: Unlocking the Writer Within You, by Ralph Fletcher
  8. Poetry Matters:  Writing a Poem from the Inside Out, by Ralph Fletcher  
  9. Live Writing:  Breathe Life into Your Words, by Ralph Fletcher
  10. How Writers Work:  Finding a Process that Works for You, Ralph Fletcher
  11. Careers for Bookworms and Other Literary Types, by Marjorie Eberts and Margaret Gisler
  12. Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul, by Canfield, Hansen, and Gardner
  13. The Writer's Idea Book, by Jack Heffron

Career Ideas for Writers

So what do you do when you want to spend your life inside your creative mind?  Here are a number of careers and jobs just for writers. Take a look...and don't be afraid to dream a little.  The future is waiting just ahead.
  1. book or magazine writer (of course!)
  2. journalist
  3. book or periodical editor
  4. English professor or teacher (like me!)
  5. advertising copywriter (You know all those billboards and ads in the newspaper?  Someone actually got paid for writing those!)
  6. copyeditor or proofreader (If you are a grammar buff, these are the jobs for you!)

Great Writing Resources on Pinterest

Check out my Pinterest board!  

Enrichment & Fun Stuff
Beautiful journals--if you are looking for luxurious bound books, try leather, handmade paper, hard covers, or anything beyond the typical notebook.  One idea is Poetic Earth:  www.poeticearthjournals.com

Vera Bradley home and office supplies--yes, these are girly and a bit pricey...but delightful--www.verabradley.com​    

​​Make your own little books, either for your own use or for special gifts.  One resource to try is Making Handmade Books with 100+ Bindings, Structures, and Forms, by Alisa Golden (book).  You'll find internet resources, too!
Teen Ink Magazine--for teens by teens, www.teenink.com/magazine
Inspiring books!  Sometimes writing is a lonely pursuit.  Check our your local bookstore for some inspiration, such as this Chicken Soup book just for writers!​
Lap desk--This is a must for everyone who doesn't enjoy sitting at a desk to write.  I suggest a large, rectangular style like this one to allow plenty of space to work with a notebook or a laptop.

Top Favorite Websites for Writers

The internet is an amazing place, but it's not always easy to find what you are looking for.  Here is a list of websites perfect for English students:
  1. When you just can't think of the right word:  www.wordhippo.com/
  2. Grammar help when you have a specific question: https://www.grammar.com/
  3. More grammar help!  www.grammarcheck.net/
  4. Handy list of Proofreader's marks:  www.mlaeditor.net/all-the-truth-about-mla-editing-marks/ 
  5. Online Writing Lab (OWL) of Purdue University (fabulous resource overall, but especially check out the link just for students in grades 7-12):  owl.english.purdue.edu/
  6. Research and writing guide for teens:  www.ipl.org/div/aplus/
  7. ​Unique opportunity for students who love to write fiction:  https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/
  8. Spelling rules for those who need a refresher:  https://www.dictionary.com/e/spelling-rules/
  9. Academic writing assistance 24/7:  www.bartleby.com/

Games for Writers and Grammar Buffs

Okay, I kind of cheated by including this list, because I haven't actually played any of these games, except for Authors and You've Been Sentenced, both of which my kids enjoy.  I just thought they all deserved a mention for any of you who are looking for literary games.
  1. Literati--vocabulary game that requires players to make up stories about the words they draw (Levenger)
  2. Orijinz--guessing game about the origins of words, expressions, and quotes
  3. You've Been Sentenced!--a fun, fast, and silly card came that relies on grammar knowledge
  4. Story Cubes--imagination sparkers for creative writing; roll the cubes and use the images that appear to tell a story
  5. Balderdash--bluff with words, fool your opponents!