Although interest plays a large role in motivation and confidence, we need a clearer understanding of how teachers and classroom practices can influence students' interest for the act of writing. Rebecca L. Lipstein and K. Ann Renninger studied the perceptions of 178 students in grades 7, 8, and 9 to develop this understanding. They offer characteristics of students in four phases of interest and describe instructional approaches to meet students' wants and needs. (Contains 3 figures and 5 notes.)