ABSTRACT
In 1997 Before Writing was published. As with other scholarly books of its kind, its sales were average. When asked about Before Writing, Gunther Kress modestly describes it as filled with strong emotions and sentimental musings about being a father to young children. Little did he know, or acknowledge, how far its reach would be and how we are still realizing its prescience. Built on Kress’ book, this chapter approaches writing from the perspectives of an older generation of learners, when the children depicted in his book are now adults. Beautifully written and filled with soul, Before Writing offers its readers a very different perspective on creative improvisation, and its message is inspiration for this chapter about youth, after writing has been in their lives for a while.
