Although I am not currently enrolled in public school, when I was, I was extremely disappointed in the quality of writing that was taught by the teachers there. Not only was there almost NO focus on creative writing (!), but we had to learn total **** like expository writing (possibly the most USELESS technique ever taught to mankind, monkeys, and javelinas (I would say canines, too, but their habit of using urine to mark territory is just plain weird))!!!! Come on, ladies and gentlemen!!! Teach us some REAL writing!!! I wish people like Brandon Sanderson and RJ could show them a thing or two–then maybe so many trips to the bathroom during English class wouldn't be necessary!!! I once took an afternoon Creative Writing class in fourth grade (my mom forced me to go, but I came to like of my own free will (no injections were necessary that time
(kidding))) and the first thing the teacher (who is an extremely talented published author) told us was to
forget everything our previous writing teachers had taught us. I was ecstatic. No rules?? No regulations?? No having to begin my stories with onomatopoeia?? And (can you believe it?) no 80-year-old lady telling me that swords were inappropriate for fourth grade kids (not that I have anything against 80-year-old ladies
)!!! I think more authors should do a clinic or two each year for kids who are passed expository writing and introductory paragraphs, and simply want to
write! Has anyone else had similar experiences with public school writing teachers (not that all private school teachers are great–far from it)? If so, please share….