Writing exercises so often rely on standard writing prompts and rote exercises with an oppressive emphasis on grammar; in such an environment, no wonder the creative urge to write is stifled! Learning to Write the Novel Way utilizes a holistic approach to writing that actually motivates the student's creative impulses. Designed for students in grades 5-12, the course incorporates writing a complete novel, a full year's worth of English Comp with weekly lesson plans, grammar skills learned within the context of authoring a book, teamwork and the joy of a finished novel. 218 pages, three-hole-punched, softcover.

Recently I caught my daughter Yolanda at the computer typing away. She and one of her friends were writing a story together for fun. They have a common bond - horses. So, of course, there is a horse in the story. When I found Learn to Write the Novel Way in CBD's catalog, I ordered it to help her with her writing, and it has become one of her high school English courses that will earn her one full credit.

Some students, however, don't ake to fiction writing so readily. Many find it daunting. It is hard work. But there is a "you can do it" attitude within the simple-to-follow format of this course. Author Carole Thaxton, a Christian homeschool mother, befriends the student with her light humor and encouragement while she leads him through the steps of writing a good story. First, a student writes freely, developing characters, describing settings, and organizing a plot in rough draft form. The next step is to replace general words with more specific, vivid vocabulary and correct sentence structure (grammar skills included). Finish with a chapter on layout and cover design. And the end result? A student's very own novel.

—Karen

Average Rating:

2 of 2 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Amy Haroldson (Lake Oswego, ORegon), September 28, 2008

While thumbing through the book, I found a full page cartoon drawing of a silly looking character with big lips and a goatee wearing an extremely large turban with the caption, "A lonely Arab on a dolphin in Indonesia." Racist stereotypes are never appropriate, especially in children's educational materials.

Reviewed by Sandra Frost (Spark, NV), September 15, 2003

In my eleven years of homeschooling, I've not found a writing curriculum as wonderfully written, and as fun, as Carole Thaxton's "Learn to Write the Novel Way." My l4-yr old is having a great time with it and I am extremely pleased with the tools and techniques provided in the book that can help her through those difficult stages of creating a story. Bravo, Ms. Thaxton!!!

Write a review of Learn to Write the Novel Way

• Homeschool >> Language Arts >> Workbooks
• Homeschool >> Language Arts >> Writing Skills >> Creative Writing
• Start A New Christianbook.com Search

Check out our specialty shop for Homeschooling & Learning products!

I'm the author/artist and I want to review Learn to Write the Novel Way.