Write On is a creative writing course to be taken in increments over the Internet. Mrs. Simmons uses short lessons with assignments to teach some writing basics. She begins with how to keep a writing journal, and proceeds to how to describe using the senses, considering audience, writing dialogue, keeping the thread of thought, comparing and contrasting objects and people, creating characters, point of view, and how to use a thesaurus.

I found the program to contain a good number of writing tips and ideas. Some of the lessons overlapped beyond the normal review areas. The author seems to specialize in teaching the students how to describe well, even through dialogue. In my humble opinion, description is the main point of all the lessons, but isn't description the backbone of creative writing?

The author has attempted to teach in a conversational style that would appeal to the student. The lessons are ones that a student can complete himself or herself and would appeal to the student who enjoys working on the computer.

The students are instructed to cut and paste their writings into e-mails and remit to the author for comments, not correction. She does critique all assignments, some very briefly and others more detailed. The students send their lessons via e-mail and Mrs. Simmons prints them and returns them with her critiques via snail mail.

Some of the assignments in this program include writing an essay, writing descriptions of Norman Rockwell paintings, finishing story starters, writing dialogue, and practicing perspective.

The second part of the writing course (Write On! Again) has more of the same style of writing lessons - short instructions followed by assignments for the student to complete and send to Mr. Simmons. Assignments for this course include finishing stories, describing objects, writing ads, editorials, paraphrasing Scriptures using a thesaurus, creating a character and then writing a story about him, and writing a news release about a historical event. Some interesting assignments include writing a journal entries from the perspective of famous personages (example: what Neil Armstrong might have written the day he walked on the moon) and writing dialogue between historical figures or unlikely characters.

This program would work well for a self-motivated student who already has a good grasp of writing techniques and hopes to improve his skills, especially in the area of description.

The author has been teaching these writing courses for five years. For more information you are welcomed to visit the website at www.writeonagain.com. There you will find course description, testimonials, instructor information, cost, enrollment information, and some sample lessons.
-- Product Review by: Elece Hollis, Product Reviewer, The Old Schoolhouseâ„¢ Magazine

Write On!

By Gwen Simmons
www.writeonagain.com

This program is a writing program directed by Mrs. Simmons via email and the internet.

In our first email we received a wealth of great information in her proofreading tips! The lessons begin with an optional writing journal that teaches the child to write about their ideas which will help their writing skills. In lesson 2 the fun begins! Mrs. Simmons teaches descriptive writing by showing contrasting paragraphs that show how using words you can paint a word picture to covey your thoughts. In lesson 3 Mrs. Simmons offers story starters to get the creative juices flowing.

Within the lessons the student learns: descriptive writing, thesaurus use, persuasive writing, writing perspective, narrative writing and much more. My daughter has been a reluctant writers, but Mrs. Simmons encouraged and inspired her to write. My daughter commented that: "Mrs. Simmons makes writing fun!"

After submitting several lessons we received a letter that contained comments and hints from Mrs. Simmons. Her words are encouraging and constructive which encouraged my daughter to improve her writing skills. Mrs. Simmons has created an exceptional and encouraging program with Write On! She encourages each student to write about things that interest them.

This is a great program for reluctant or struggling writers. I would suggest this program to every homeschool child because it is encouraging and makes writing fun! It encourages the student to write about things that interest them which ignites a new love for writing.

On the Write On website you will find more information about the program as well as the continuation of the program (Write On Again!). You can 'meet' Mrs. Simmons, find course information, read testimonials, view sample lessons and enroll in the program.