ABSTRACT
The classroom presents a limited view of what writing can be, its potential for creativity, development of thought and personal growth. Every writer and teacher of writing brings with them a complex history of their own encounters with writing. It has become a regular activity in new writing groups to reflect on our writing histories. David Barton points out the potential difficulty of there being only the one word writing to indicate both composition and transcription. People do need to be able to form letters and use them to spell conventionally. Quick memories and longer histories remind's of the variety and complexity of being a writer. It reflects cultural norms and values. Writing may be embedded in family rituals or reflect the demands of certain kinds of education. Writing for and with others is crucial: keeping in touch, going public, marking important life events, friendship, intimacy, endings. It is worth bearing in mind when working with young writers.
