Exploring Author’s Craft

Although I am writing with a student and teacher in mind in this context, remember that it all began with the basics. Revisiting these writing techniques (from our past) can help us develop and refine our writing as adults. 

The Essentials of Author’s Craft

At its heart, the author’s craft consists of many literary elements deliberately selected and applied to shape a narrative. It involves choices about narrative elements, character traits, and text structure, among other literary elements. Some examples of different types of these techniques authors use include figurative language, descriptive language, and even dialogue – all designed to create a specific mood or atmosphere and convey a theme or concept.

Throughout the school year, teachers might focus on various author’s craft techniques to give students a more profound understanding of text structure and how writers create compelling stories. For instance, a lesson may dive into how an author uses figurative language to convey imagery or descriptive language to portray character traits. Explicit instruction to focus on these literary devices and techniques is key to developing students’ understanding of the author’s craft.

Teaching Author’s Craft through Short Stories

Short stories often serve as perfect mentor texts for teaching an author’s craft. They are digestible enough for students to grasp the overarching narrative elements and literary devices within a reasonable timeframe. With close reading, students can identify and analyze the author’s craft techniques and apply them to their writing.

Teach the author’s craft by utilizing short stories and essays as a reference point for applying these techniques. It’s also crucial to engage students in short answer and essay questions and essay writing, requiring them to analyze and discuss the author’s craft techniques in the text. This approach allows students to apply what they’ve learned, reinforcing their understanding and demonstrating mastery.

These methods of teaching an author’s craft are not only helpful in developing reading and writing skills. They can be a valuable part of test prep. When students can identify and discuss the author’s craft in their reading, they can answer questions more comprehensively and critically analyze texts.

Exploring the author’s craft offers readers a new perspective on reading and appreciating literature. As we further delve into how to teach this skill in the next section, remember that the ultimate goal is to equip students to recognize and appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into creating a story.

Incorporating Author’s Craft into Writing

While understanding the author’s craft as a reader is crucial, applying these techniques to your writing is equally important. The more familiar students become with the various elements of the author’s craft, the more adept they will become at incorporating these techniques into their writing. Let’s explore ways to integrate an author’s craft techniques into your writing lessons.

Learning Through Examples

One of the most effective ways to teach an author’s craft is through examples. From narrative essays to short stories, provide a variety of mentor texts for students to analyze. Discuss the techniques the authors use to write well, like developing characters, establishing a point of view, explaining, or using descriptive language to create imagery.

For example, if you want to teach the student the use of figurative language, select a short story rich in metaphor, simile, or personification. Discuss how these literary elements contribute to the story and mood. Challenge the students to create their own examples of figurative language, emphasizing the importance of these elements in their own writing.

Practice Makes Perfect

Provide opportunities for students to apply the author’s craft techniques they’ve learned. Assign writing exercises focused on specific aspects of the author’s craft. For instance, a student might ask them to write a short story emphasizing dialogue to reveal character traits or to write an essay using descriptive language to convey a particular mood or atmosphere.

Incorporate the author’s craft into test prep. As students become more confident in identifying the author’s craft in their reading, encourage them to apply these techniques to their writing. This will enhance their writing and prepare them for any questions related to the author’s craft in their exams.

Using Author’s Craft for Inspiration

Remember that learning about an author’s craft isn’t just about analysis—it’s also a source of inspiration. Encourage students to experiment with their learned techniques and not be afraid to develop their unique style. After all, every great author starts life as a student of the author’s craft.

Incorporating Author’s Craft in School Curriculum

Bringing an author’s craft into the classroom, especially at the beginning of the school year, isn’t a one-off lesson but an ongoing process that enhances students’ reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and writing abilities. Here are some ways to incorporate an author’s craft into a first school year’s curriculum.

Explicit Instruction

Explicit instruction in the author’s craft can be a part of unit lessons where each unit focuses on a different aspect of the author’s craft. For instance, one unit might be dedicated to exploring figurative language. At the same time, another focuses on character development, and another on the narrative elements. Teachers can clearly define each literary element part of the author’s craft using explicit instruction, explain its purpose, and illustrate its use through mentor texts.

Promote Close Reading

Encourage close reading as a means of identifying the author’s craft. Close reading involves carefully analyzing a text, paying attention to details, and making inferences based on the text. It can help students recognize and understand authors’ various techniques to convey their message or story.

Use Short Stories to Teach Literary Elements

Short stories are ideal for teaching the author’s craft as they often contain clear examples of various literary elements and the author’s craft techniques within a compact narrative. You can use short stories to teach elements like plot structure, character development, theme, point of view, and more. By analyzing these stories, students can learn to identify and use these elements in other texts in their writing.

Integration with Test Prep

The author’s craft can also be incorporated into test prep. Understanding the author’s craft is often a key component of language arts exams, and regular practice can help students prepare for these questions. By integrating the author’s craft into test prep, you can help students make connections between their learning and assessment.

Mastering an author’s craft as a reader and writer can empower students and deepen their love of literature. By teaching authors craft, we’re equipping students with the tools to become more skilled readers, thoughtful analysts, and creative writers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of an author’s craft?

An example of an author’s craft is the use of figurative language in creating a story. An author might use metaphors, similes, or personification to create vivid imagery and engage the reader’s senses. For instance, in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” writer Harper Lee often uses symbolism and metaphor as part of her craft.

What are elements of the author’s craft?

Elements of focus of the author’s craft include plot development, character development, setting, tone, mood, dialogue, theme, point of view, figurative language (like metaphor and simile), and symbolism. These elements contribute to the overall story and how it’s conveyed to the reader.

How do you identify an author’s craft?

Identifying an author’s craft involves close reading and analysis of a text. Look for patterns in the author’s word choices, sentence structure, and use of literary devices. Consider how the author develops characters and plots and how they use language to convey mood, setting, and theme.

What are all the author’s craft?

An author’s craft refers to various techniques and literary devices authors use to create a story. This includes everything from plot structure and character development to the use of figurative language, symbolism, and descriptive details. It also involves the author’s choice of point of view and narrative style.

Use your Voice, Make an Impact.

Catherine x

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Email: catherine@catherinenikkel.com

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