This volume consists of nine conference papers and journal articles concerned with microcomputer applications in the teaching of writing. After a general introduction entitled "Computer-Assisted Composition Instruction: The State of the Art," by Robert Shostak, four papers are devoted to how computers may help with the writing process. In "Computer-Assisted Prewriting Activities: Harmonics for Invention," Hugh Burns describes the computer as a tool for helping writers discover, arrange, and style ideas by means of interactive questioning strategies. A similar heuristic device for writing about literature is described by Helen Schwartz in "But What Do I Write--Literary Analysis Made Easier." In "Computers and the Composing Process: An Examination of Computer-Writer Interaction," Earl Woodruff identifies three ways a computer can help students write: as consultant, questioner, and collaborator. Then William Wresch, in "Writer's Help: A System Approach to Computer-Assisted Writing," employs computer programs to help students pick a subject, answer questions about it, and organize their ideas in a rough draft. The next three articles concern courseware design, beginning with an overview on "Design Considerations" by Alfred Bork, followed by articles on "Evaluating Textual Responses" by Joseph Lawlor and "Developing Interactive Language Experiences for the Computer" by Gloria Kuchinskas. The volume concludes with an essay on "Courseware Selection" by Ann Lothrop, followed by a list of computer-related journals and biographical notes on the authors. (TE)