Written by teachers for teachers, this book offers the first-hand perspectives of 7 teachers who used the writing workshop approach. It offers teachers in grades 1-8 a wealth of practical advice, based on the personal struggles, accomplishments, and classroom-proven solutions of the authors. Equally valuable to teachers already using writing workshop in their classroom and those just beginning the journey toward effective writing instruction, the book provides critical guidance, support, and encouragement to enrich the teaching experience. Features include helpful, practical skills and advice; comprehensive coverage of invented spelling, writing development, topic selection, and rehearsal; and student samples. After a foreword and a preface, chapters in the book are (1) "Writing: Past, Present, and Future" (Bobbie A. Solley); (2) "Writers' Workshop: Teaching Outside the Comfort Zone" (Barbara Long); (3) "The Struggles of a New Teacher" (Rebecca Harrison); (4) "The Joy of Writing" (Debbie Hurst-Seigfried); (5) "Reflections of a Fifth Grade Teacher of the Writer" (Suze Gilbert); (6) "I Set Out to Prove You Wrong and Discovered the World of Writing" (Tina Robertson); (7) "My Journey: Finding the Road with Seventh Graders" (Pat Reneau); and (8) "Changes" (Virginia Wadleigh). Contains 30 references; 15 appendixes contain checklists, recording forms, sample lesson plans, and a 71-item bibliography of children's literature used at various stages of the writing process. (RS)