The methods used by a college freshman composition teacher to make writing an authentic and natural activity for students are outlined in this paper. Among the techniques described are the use of (1) warm-up activities to encourage sharing written efforts, with teacher-as-participant; (2) peer editing groups; (3) reflection questions; (4) student journals; (5) visual stimuli; (6) interviews with local professional writers; and (7) letters in defense of a class activity. Examples of student writing are appended. (AEA)