Creative Writing Skills – Review
Having reviewed a writing guide for adults recently, I was pleased to have the opportunity join this one day blog blitz, and review a creative writing guide aimed at junior writers (around 7-11 year olds). Although our son is too young to make use of this workbook, I was interested to have a look at Lexi’s ideas. Read on to find out more about the book, including my own thoughts, and a chance to win a copy…
About the Book
“Discover the secrets to becoming an amazing author
- Find your creative spark
- Grow your skills and confidence
- Have more fun with your writing
Packed with top tips, this awesome workbook has everything you need to know about creating colourful characters, perfect plots, dynamite dialogue, and lots more …”
Review
A very upbeat description, but what did I make of ‘Creative Writing Skills’? I started at the beginning, which seemed as good a place as any. The book is grouped into a number of topics, each covering a key aspect of creative writing. Chapters contain progressively challenging activities, designed to build confidence, enhance skills, and encourage creative thinking.
With over seventy activities, the book will keep young writers occupied for some time. The tasks encourage reading as much as writing, prompting children to think about style and structure of books they have read.
I found the layout of the workbook very user-friendly. Each topic is self-contained, meaning the chapters can be worked through in any order without compromising the structure of the learning experience. Activities are wide-ranging, and include examples to set young minds thinking about their writing. The show not tell section was particularly appealing; this is such an important element of writing fiction, and I felt it was set out very well indeed. It’s not an easy concept to grasp at first, but the examples were helpful, and the thought prompts added context to the idea of showing not telling.
Some sections suggested illustrations might be used to complement the writing. A generous amount of space for each activity means children are constrained only by their imagination. There are group activities which can be worked through with family and friends, encouraging discussion as ideas develop.
Overall, I found this an excellent workbook. It is laid out clearly, there’s a good balance between learning points and activities, and the tone is positive throughout. Don’t expect to learn the rules of grammar in this book. The aim is to stimulate creative thinking, and nurture talent, while enabling children to develop a better idea of how to become an amazing author. I’m very much looking forward to introducing the book to our son, in due course.
Disclosure notice: I was gifted a copy of this book in return for a review. All views expressed are my own.
Purchase Links
Amazon (UK) ——– ——– ——– Amazon (US)
About the Author
Lexi Rees writes action packed adventures for children. As well as the Creative Writing Skills workbook, the first book in The Relic Hunters Series, Eternal Seas, was awarded a “loved by” badge from LoveReading4Kids and is currently longlisted for a Chanticleer award. The sequel, Wild Sky, will be published in November. When not writing, she’s usually covered in straw or glitter, and frequently both. Lexi also runs a free club for children designed to encourage a love of reading and writing. You can find out more here: https://lexirees.co.uk/kidsclub/
Social Media Links
Website ——– Facebook ——– Twitter ——– Instagram
Win a copy of Creative Writing Skills
Choice of paperback or pdf for UK winners and pdf for international winners.
https://kingsumo.com/g/gw6isv/creative-writing-skills-workbook
