Free Writing Handouts:

Click to view and print useful tips on the following topics:



Books that Model or Inspire Writing:

  • From Pictures to Words: A Book About Making a Book, by Janet Stevens
    • Creative, illustrated approach to the process of writing
  • If…, by Sarah Perry
    • Mind-bending illustrations to spark creativity
  • Igniting Your Writing (I and II), by Sandy Larsen
    • Interesting lessons to teach writing techniques and develop style
  • Lives of… series, by Kathleen Krull
    • Fun, informative biographical essays
  • Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street, by Roni Schotter
    • Creative book on overcoming writer's block by finding "the extraordinary in the everyday"
  • Redwall series, by Brian Jaques
    • Terrific descriptions, memorable characters, and loads of action
  • S is for Story, by Esther Hershenhorn
    • Colorful illustrations; advice from authors; and tips, terms, and techniques for story writers
  • The Boy Who Loved Words, by Roni Schotter
    • Inspirational book that stretches and encourages a rich vocabulary in the search for the right word
  • The Elements of Style, by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White
    • Classic text, originally published in 1918; outlines stylistic tips
  • The Legend of the Golden Snail, by Graeme Base
    • Beautiful illustrations add to this exciting adventure
  • The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, by Chris Van Allsburg
    • Clever, black-and-white drawings with one-sentence story starters
  • The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, by Jon Sczieska
    • Explore the power of perspective in writing
  • 13 Words, by Lemony Snicket
    • Colorfully illustrated by Maira Kalman; an “incomplete” book useful as story starters


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