Provides an initial test of a multidimensional model of written communication apprehension as the construct relates to syntactic language use. Finds support for a multidimensional model of writing apprehension and for the impact that syntactic choice has on an individual's perceptions of writing apprehension. (MS)

The use of self-hypnosis techniques to overcome barriers to writing freely is illustrated in the experiences of several writers who successfully used the method. (MSE)

The study describes two revisions of the I. Daly and M. Miller Writing Apprehensions Scale. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability coefficients of the second revision were greater than .90. The revised measure should be a useful tool for future research examining the writing anxiety of younger students. (Author/CL)

Present excerpts of a fairy tale for adults entitled "The Secret of the Seventh Tower," indicating the presence of the neurolinguistic systems of representation used in its creation during the process of automatism (automatic writing). Notes that the model can facilitate the resolution of writer's block and enhance creative writing in…

Describes how a writing teacher used "magic slates" to help at-risk students overcome their fear of writing. (PRA)

Creative warm-up activities help most of the articulate students who hate writing and unblock the most reluctant writers. Some of the warm-up activities for students in elementary grades that help in taking the fright out of writing, or just reduce the initial resistance are described.

Describes how studying under Ken Macrorie led one high school English teacher to use freewriting as a prewriting activity in her classroom. (ARH)

Shows reading instructors basic principles that may aid them in writing and publishing articles related to the profession. Discusses writers' block, getting started, identifying markets, submitting manuscripts, and working with editors. (FL)

Suggests that, although writing instructors cannot completely eliminate writing anxiety in students, they can create a positive environment and offer strategies that will help reduce students' fears and build confidence in their writing skills. (AEA)

Explores the role of computer anxiety, communication apprehension and writing apprehension in predicting future use of new communication technologies. Supports hypotheses about the relevance of computer anxiety and communication apprehension in predicting future technology use, but not those with regard to writing apprehension. Notes that past…

Describes several patterned language books useful in helping students overcome writing apprehension by supplying them with the form, so that all they have to do is provide the creative ideas. (RS)

Suggests that a grammar-based, error-correction method to teach composition may be at least partially responsible for students' perception of themselves as incompetent writers. Offers a method that uses brainstorming, free writing, looping, and cubing to help students find focus and voice in their writing. (JOW)

According to data from 144 technical writing students, 16% had writing apprehension and 16% had test anxiety; only 3.5% had both. Gender and age predicted test anxiety but not writing apprehension. Number of composition classes predicted writing apprehension but not test anxiety. (SK)

Describes the strategies used to encourage two friends--professed nonwriters--to write about the stories of their childhood days. The sequence of the process shows how a teacher can build confidence in beginning writers. (JOW)

Reveals the motivation for writing the book "Dispatches" (l977), based on Herr's experiences as a correspondent in Vietnam. Discusses the difficulties with writing the book as it tries to capture the experience, sympathize with the participants, and yet allow the reader to walk away from it in the end. (NH)