The sci fi writer
As a fourth observation, I attended a tutoring session at the community writing center with one of our science fiction writers.
The tutor was going over a preview of the story with the writer. The way that the tutor conducted the session was professional. What stood out excellently in my opinion is the tutor’s self confidence about the genre. Science fiction concepts are endless and too many, the tutor referred to a number of other book writers to find the answer to questions the writer was asking himself. Although, no direct answers were provided and the writer was given the chance to write his story about each concept.
In addition, the tutor did a very good job in giving hints to the writer to guide him to the way he really wanted to write and it was helpful especially when the tutor gave real examples of better known authors. Giving practical examples was a great way to remind the writer of the concepts unlike just doing a free write or studying the genre.
A further step to improve this session I think was to compliment the writer on telling a good story. He answered most of the questions and was given full attention by the tutor, plus there was positive feedback on his performance, which all tutees like to hear.
The tutor was going over a preview of the story with the writer. The way that the tutor conducted the session was professional. What stood out excellently in my opinion is the tutor’s self confidence about the genre. Science fiction concepts are endless and too many, the tutor referred to a number of other book writers to find the answer to questions the writer was asking himself. Although, no direct answers were provided and the writer was given the chance to write his story about each concept.
In addition, the tutor did a very good job in giving hints to the writer to guide him to the way he really wanted to write and it was helpful especially when the tutor gave real examples of better known authors. Giving practical examples was a great way to remind the writer of the concepts unlike just doing a free write or studying the genre.
A further step to improve this session I think was to compliment the writer on telling a good story. He answered most of the questions and was given full attention by the tutor, plus there was positive feedback on his performance, which all tutees like to hear.
Was the writer who came in contemplating a project and the two were brainstorming about it. It sounds like the tutor and writer were discussing what the writer might write. You said the tutor could have complimented him on telling a good story. I take that to mean there was no written story involved. Am I understanding correctly?
ReplyDeleteI think it would be interesting to observe at the Community Writing Center. I've been there multiple times to meet with my instructor for a class I'm taking, but I've never taken the time to observe a tutoring session. It would be interesting to contrast the difference between our Community Writing Center and our Student Center.
I can see the value in having a tutor who's familiar with the subject matter or specific genre that a writer is dealing with. If I were mentoring a fiction writer and I lacked experience in the writer's chosen genre, I'd start by asking what resources the writer knew about, such as genre-specific writing groups or workshops, publications, web sites or the work of other authors. Even if I lacked genre-specific knowledge, I'd hope I could still offer worthwhile responses and helpful questions as a general reader.
ReplyDeleteI have always feared to come across a writer with an assignment I know nothing about, but I agree with Mary-Beth. Asking the writer about resources are available is something to take comfort in. There are similar fundamental aspects in each paper, and I think if we can understand those, then we can grow to understand other more genre-specific aspects.
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