DPI Introduces New “Wisconsin Writes” Video Series

The Department of Public Instruction is filling a void in the world of educational materials thanks to a collaborative project involving DPI staff and more than a dozen authors from around Wisconsin. The video series, called “Wisconsin Writes,” features walk-throughs of the writing process by each author and a look at their typical workday.

Each author who agreed to participate appears in two types of videos. First, they demonstrate their writing process by moving forward on an actual piece they were working on. The second element, a straightforward interview, gives students advice on writing and a sense of what it’s all about.

DPI’s Marci Glaus, an English language arts education consultant, visited writers in their usual writing spaces to provide an authentic look at habits, techniques, and environments of this group that has so much to offer students. Featured writers include two New York Times bestsellers, the state’s poet laureate, children’s authors, writers of non-fiction, fiction, and other Wisconsin-based writers.

“For our students to graduate ready for career and college — no matter what they pursue — they need writing and other literacy skills,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “I appreciate that so many of our state’s professional writers share this sentiment and were willing to show their writing process and workspace. How better to learn these skills than from their fellow Wisconsinites who have built a successful career around them?”

“Wisconsin Writes” began this fall, with installments released approximately biweekly. Videos released so far include Wisconsin Poetry Laureate Kimberly Blaeser, bestseller Patrick Rothfuss, Silvia Acevedo and Molly Magestro. A number of others, including at least one student and a selection of not-yet-published authors, will appear prior to the end of the 2015-16 school year.

The “Wisconsin Writes” series can be found online at dpi.wi.gov/wisconsin-writes.