Writing and Healing: Toward an Informed Practice

by Charles H. Anderson (Editor), Marian Mesrobian MacCurdy (Editor)

In Writing and Toward an Informed Practice, editors Charles M. anderson and Marian M. MacCurdy compile 15 essays composed and directed toward writing teachers and others who have experienced writing and healing in a variety of settings -- from classrooms to substance-abuse centers to AIDS support groups. The essays provide not only descriptions of particular practices but also explorations of area of theory that support the development of techniques in healing. The first section, finding Our way In, addresses issues of how teachers practice writing as healing. Section two, Traditions and Extensions, looks at the tradition through which therapeutic writing has made its way into our time. the third section, Writing and Healing in the Classroom, focuses on the classroom and tackles topics including expressive writing, journal writing, and writing about suicide. The essays in the final section, Writing and Healing in the World, look outside the classroom to such examples of public text as the names on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D>C>, the individual squares of the NAMES AIDS quilt project, and the Clothesline project, wich decries violence against women. This book provides a unique occasion for teachers, scholars, and other professionals to begin an open, serious conversation about the healing power of writing.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published July 29, 2005

Reviews

[Elliot A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always hesitant in reading collections of essays that are supposed to provide greater insight into a specific topic to actually accomplish their purpose.

However, I was glad to realize that this collection actually, for the most part, contains essays that include the theoretical frameworks for writing for personal development and healing, practical advice and application options within the classroom and community settings, as well as provides guidelines to begin writing for one's own personal writing practice.

I will gladly return to most of these essays for future references not only in my academic endeavors, but also for personal purposes.

ElliotScribbles