The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how children can consciously examine the composition process and experience a set of problems designed to improve their writing ability. An approach to writing is outlined which is based on the assumption that writing is a skill that can be learned and improved upon. Examined are such topics as the development of skills; the importance of literature as a model and teaching method; the treatment of literature; characterization; language and characterization; point of view; the sense of place; and ideas about plot. It is argued that specific exercises relating to point of view, describing environments, parallel plot construction, and plot completion lead to deeper understandings of the writing process. In this program, children encounter all types of literature as they respond to the challenge of developing writing skills. (TS)