Creative Writing calls for Creative Tutoring

Each subject matter requires a bit of a different approach when it comes to writing; this is a pretty widely accepted phenomenon. Likewise, as tutors we need to accommodate for the differences in subject styles when consulting papers. An economics paper for instance would most likely need to be much more formal and derived in calculations than say a philosophy essay. As consultants we do not need to have a mastery over every subject matter, but must be able to recognize the basic differences when consulting a student. Luckily, most subjects only have subtle intricacies to them, which are easily learned and applied.

How do we consult peers on a creative writing project? Clearly, such is neither thesis driven nor attempts to sustain an argument. If we are not supposed to be overly concerned with sentence-level errors and focus instead on global issues, do we assist them in creating a narrative? Where does the line between plagiarism and tutoring fall? Considering there are no real right or wrong answers in someone's individual creativity, what, as consultants, do we look for? Do we try to assess if the story captures the audience, do we critique its theme? These are questions that we must consider because we must always be cautious not to overstep our boundaries as writing consultants. Even after we decide what are duties are, the task of consulting someone on such an individual and personal process differs in some ways than that of a normal academic piece.

The article, "Eight Ways to Tutor Creative Writers" covers many of these topics in regards to a consultant's role in the creative process. The article suggests that as tutors we should be actively looking for all the components of a good creative piece: narrative line, theme, entertainment, and clarity among others. While we must remain facilitative, we can also work with writers to develop their stories.

In regards to creative works in general, not just narratives, how must we alter our tutoring style? Do we have different objectives as tutors when we face poems, digital narratives, or even videos?

http://www.ulc.psu.edu/Dangling_Modifier/Articles/oldArticles/Fall-2003_web-Eight_Ways.htm