The book imagines writing as an assortment of "outfits"― bundles of styles and strategies through which one approaches a writing purpose, such as writing focused on experimentation and growth or writing focused on a professional task. By assessing the outfits writers feel most and least confident in, and examining how to be more at home in the outfits that matter to them, this book helps students develop both specific skills and their overall identity as writers. Readers are guided through before-, during-, and after-writing strategies and techniques, including: freewriting, outlining, visual planning, and composing in multimodal forms. Readers are also introduced to the importance of setting clear writing goals and sharing their work in a variety of ways, both in preparation for classroom success through peer review and writing center visits, and beyond the classroom in virtual and in-person spaces.
Jen McConnel is a graduate of Hollins University master’s program in writing and critiquing Children’s Literature, and the author of over 10 books for adolescent readers, including the award-winning novel Beautiful Curse. A long-time teacher and researcher, she completed her PhD in 2020, focusing on the complicated emotions we bring to our writing. She specializes in critiques for children’s literature, YA and MG, and academic writing. Visit her at http://jenmcconnel.com/
Reviews
Styling Your Writing speaks to the heart of writing and is a necessary companion to inspire writers to achieve their own writing style and find joy in writing. This style guide for writing shares ready-to-use strategies for a variety of writing types, narratives from students, and tips to navigate through all parts of the writing process. Teaching writing can be tough, but. McConnel shifts away uneasiness and hesitation while making even Academic writing meaningful and personal.
Ashley Walker, High School Assistant Principal and President of Virginia Association of Teachers of English
Styling Your Writing is a ‘Show and Tell’ for the new academic writer. McConnel shows readers how to find their academic voice by modelling her journey as a writer and sharing clever practices that empower an authentic academic voice.
Christopher DeLuca, Associate Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Professor, Faculty of Education, Queen’s University
Not all writing experiences are the same and McConnel invites readers into writing their way. Using student perspectives, promising writing practices, and a dash of personality she gives readers permission to move beyond traditional college-level writing. Styling Your Writing is a gem that encourages writers to honor their voice in order to find a writing style for every occasion.
Andy Schoenborn, co-author of Creating Confident Writers: For High School, College, and Life