[Podcast #273] Announcing Julie’s New Book!

Brave Writer Podcast

Writing is often framed as an external obligation in schools, but we believe it’s much more than that.

Writing is an act of self-expression—a way to explore:

  • ideas,
  • emotions,
  • and creativity.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we discuss how parents can help children reclaim the joy of writing, emphasizing its value as a personal journey rather than just a task to complete. We also touch on the role of AI, the importance of fostering self-expression, and how writing connects us to the world and each other.

Listen to the full episode for insights on how to nurture confident, passionate writers in your family.

Also, learn about preorder bonuses for Julie’s upcoming NEW book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Show Notes

Reclaiming the joy of writing

One of the key ideas we aim to champion is that writing begins with the writer. When children (or adults) discover that their words matter—that writing is a means of exploring their ideas, emotions, and creativity—something shifts. The resistance we see in reluctant writers often stems from this disconnection. They’ve been taught that writing is about rules, not about them. Our goal is to help families reframe writing as a joyful act of discovery.

The role of parents in fostering self-expression

Parents have a unique opportunity to cultivate an environment where writing is seen as a tool for personal expression. This can start small. Invite your child to freewrite for ten minutes, with no agenda beyond getting their thoughts onto the page. Encourage them to share their writing if they wish but avoid critiquing it. Instead, celebrate the ideas they bring to life.

In our Brave Writer programs, we’ve seen the transformative power of this approach. Children often go from avoiding writing altogether to eagerly crafting stories, reflections, and essays. When they realize their thoughts and words have value, their confidence and enthusiasm soar.

Why writing matters now more than ever

In an age dominated by technology and shortcuts like AI-generated text, it’s tempting to let tools do the writing for us. But why would we? Writing is more than just producing words; it’s a way of understanding ourselves and the world. By writing, we develop our critical thinking, articulate our values, and preserve the unique stories that make us who we are.

We encourage parents to emphasize this point with their children. Writing is not a race to a polished essay. It’s a journey into the mind and heart, one that rewards curiosity and effort. It’s this sense of discovery and ownership that makes writing worth doing.

Carrying the torch forward

Ultimately, our mission is to ignite a passion for writing that will stay with families for generations. Writing connects us to each other and to our shared humanity. Whether it’s through a Substack essay, a poem in a eulogy, or a handwritten letter, our words carry meaning and power.

As we celebrate 25 years of Brave Writer, we remain deeply committed to this vision. Writing isn’t just about meeting standards or completing assignments. It’s about finding your voice and learning to trust it. That’s what we hope to inspire in every family we serve.

Resources

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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