Is there true magic in writing? You bet there is! That magic floats into the mind of the reader and becomes the greatest vehicle to unlock every and any door. Thank you, Charles French, for this excellent post. Read on!
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There is magic in stories. Magic is the transmutation of objects or the manipulation of the world in ways that move outside the realm of science. Whether or not magic is real in the sense of the here and now world is not the point; magic is a metaphor for fiction. Stephen King says, “books are a uniquely portable magic” (104). This magic is in the words, in their transmitting from the writer to the reader other worlds and ideas. In writing fiction, writers create a world that was not there; even so-called realistic, literary writers create an alternate world that readers inhabit when they read the book. The writers and the readers, in a mystical incantation, create another reality, one that can be so strong sometimes that readers can be moved to tears or laughter or sadness or joy or grief or sorrow or despair or…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Nice reblog, Jennie. Charles got it right!
Best wishes, Pete.
He did, indeed! Thank you, Pete.
I so agree
I’m so glad!
Absolute magic!
I think so, too! 🙂
Seeing Charles’ post again, I realize that I haven’t asked you when and how your children are introduced to writing. How do they make that all-important transition from reading (and loving reading!) to writing (and, hopefully, loving writing).
In preschool there is writing, as in using a pencil to form letters, and writing as in recognizing that letters and words actually represent the spoken word. Children practice using pencils and markers to draw and write letters all the time. We have words posted everywhere in the classroom, from labeling items to charts and poems. Seeing the printed word is critical to writing and reading readiness. When I read aloud, I always point to the words on the page. The next leap is picture stories (I have posted a number of these stories.) Children tell me their story, and they watch me write every word they say. Then, I read their story back to them, pointing to the words. Next, they illustrate their story, above their words. That gives even more power to writing. Also, when reading to children, the more questions I ask, and the more conversation ensues, that is a key to writing. Listen, then think, then speak, then ask, then write / dictate. A preschooler can do this, even before they can formally read. Isn’t that wonderful?
Yes, it is! I love the process you describe. It’s what I longed for, asked for at that age and didn’t get from school–although my parents tried to compensate.
Thank you, Liz. I’m glad you love the process. It is such a natural thing to do, as children need this. I feel sad that children (like you) never get that opportunity at school. Thank goodness your parents tried.
I was meant to read this, this very morning! (oh chills…) Thanks Jennie. Sometimes the universe smiles.
That is wonderful, Flower! I’m so glad when the universe smiles. 😀
Yes there is! Magic exists! We make something out of nothing!
We do, indeed!
Jennie, thank you!
My pleasure, Charles. Thank YOU for the magic in the words you write. 🙂
Jennie, you are very welcome.
Fantastic share, Jennie.
Thanks!
Glad you liked it, Hook. Charles is a fabulous blogger, one of my favorites.
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Thank you!