This paper presents a thoroughly researched case-study on Caleb Woolsey as a writer. Through intense interview sessions Caleb has been evaluated in his writing interests. Caleb’s writing can be categorized through five distinct phases: the learning, early works, young indifference, adolescent infatuation, and the present.
The basics of writing are probably taught the same in most places. The parent begins the learning process which is then supplemented with the school’s curriculum. Nonetheless, explained, for prosperity’s sake, is the process Caleb went through.
When Caleb was a young lad he was taught by his parents the basics of the alphabet and writing. He recalls an instance when this teaching took place. During a church meeting when he was very young, Mother was teaching Caleb how to write his full name. Caleb was able to write every letter, except the J within his middle name. He kept writing this stubborn letter backward. He claims that it just looked right that way.
Caleb, however, didn’t develop any tangible writing capability until he enrolled in Mrs. Sandra Huntington’s preschool. At this school he began the process of fully learning and comprehending the writing process. He claims to recall many hours of brain-racking worksheets. This laid the foundation of his writing.
Caleb then moved on to kindergarten where Mrs. Fowler began teaching Caleb how to construct sentences and to write understandably. Even though he was able to write complete sentences at the end of the year, his spelling and handwriting needed a lot of improvement.
As a beginner to writing, Caleb was enthused to be a part of the writing world. He was zealous to connect with others through the common bond of writing. Though young, Caleb strove to learn.
Now the subject, Caleb, is in the era of his early works. He, through his love of learning, developed into a grand young writer. His imagination fueled his writing. This added to the enjoyment he received from writing.
In second grade, Caleb was able to experience one of the grandest natural highs available to a seven year old boy. He created his first fictional book. The second grade class had the privilege to use the legendary Story Bag. This wonderful device was a bag crammed full of the materials need to write, and produce an illustrated book. In midwinter, Caleb received the opportunity to use the Story Bag for a week. The first night, with the help of his parents, Caleb brainstormed ideas. His best idea involved radioactive reptilian appendages. This was the birth of the Traveling Tails, stories about the adventures of two severed lizard tails, Turn and Bob Tail, who came to life. These two tails had many tales to tell: intergalactic travel, motorcycle rides, and western fights.
After this momentous event, Caleb, with the help of his friend Adam, began writing all sorts of stories. Of the many stories they wrote, Caleb recalls Noofer the Alien the best. This story was born from the intent to enter a young author contest. Caleb was to provide the narrative about the heroic young alien, while Adam provided the illustrations. All was going well until the two got into a small disagreement about Noofer, our alien friend. With this cataclysmic event, Caleb vowed to cease from any further attempts at writing for fun; his bad memories wanted to be blocked. Caleb developed a complete disinterest for writing.
Caleb now enters his adolescence indifference phase in life. These six years are characterized by a lack of voice and care for writing. Caleb simply didn’t like writing anymore.
When he was in fifth grade many creative writing assignments were given. Caleb simply wrote down dry stories. Written events of his past were written to give the minimal amount of facts; there was no embellishment or tone.
In sixth grade, Caleb’s writing was mostly informative. He wrote many essays, all of which were boring. He state simple facts about uninteresting subject. He just wrote enough to make the grade, nothing more.
Caleb, through the young years, loathed writing. He did his assignments. That was all that he was willing to do. His apathy characterized his writing.
Caleb, however, began to change. This change was slow at first, but grew quickly. Through middle school he developed a love and dependence on writing.
Why did our dear subject, Caleb, now decide to emerge? The answer is simple; he was developing a huge crush on a girl at school, Kate (the name has been changed to prevent any embarrassment). Caleb’s heart would melt anytime that he was near her. It was hard for him to converse with her, so he found an alternative. He began writing notes to her during class. This continued for many weeks. Eventually Caleb told Kate of his affection toward her. She told him that they should just be friends. Caleb was devastated. He again turned to writing to express feelings.
While Caleb was trying to cope with this dark time in his life he looked to a good friend, Amber (again, the name has been changed). He wrote her with a note or an email frequently asking for advice or just spilling his emotions. His feelings just seemed to flow through his writing. Caleb was soon able to converse exceptionally well through his writing.
Within the next year, without the use of the written word Caleb couldn’t communicate. This newfound love of the magic of writing began adding voice back to his papers. Caleb now enjoyed writing, and he began bringing down the wall of his protective prison.
The current state of affairs of Caleb’s writing will now be clarified. He admits, now, to enjoy writing. Caleb also said that he still dislikes many writing assignments, but that they are becoming more bearable as his knowledge and development grow. Of all the forms of writing, he enjoys conversing through writing above all. It is the best way for him to organize thoughts and to express feelings. He does admit to one downfall of his writing. He is a terse writer, and this trait is evident in his laconic writing assignments. He has asked forgiveness for this weak link, and hopes that it doesn’t affect his future grades. Caleb enjoyed writing in his early years. After he came through the apathetic middle years, Caleb emerged as a devout writer that occasionally detests an assignment.
