More than thirty faculty members, alumni, and current students crowded into Welshimer Library to honor Dr. Heather Hoover’s new book, “Composition as Conversation,” on Monday, Sept. 18, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. During the event, Hoover read some brief excerpts from her book, answered questions, and signed copies.
‘I wrote the book because I believe deeply in this model for approaching and teaching writing’
Dr. Heather Hoover
“I wrote the book because I believe deeply in this model for approaching and teaching writing,” said Hoover. “The dedication on the front page says ‘to all my students in part because the classroom is a dynamic space where we edify one another.”
“Composition as Conversation” delves into a model outlined by Hoover centered on the intrinsic relationship that links conversation and writing together. In her book, she shows how seven virtues, all examples given by former students of hers, can animate the writing dialogue and lead to more effective writing.
“Rather than think about writing as a set of rules,” said Hoover. “I wanted to frame writing as a set of virtues that we cultivate, an extension of who we are and who we want to be.”
For Hoover, the idea of “becoming” a writer was somewhat foreign, since she knew she wanted to be one at a very young age.
“I have been writing since I was a little girl,” said Hoover. “I never really plotted a ‘path to publication,’ but this topic seemed like something worth putting into the world and the stars aligned.”
While her book was intended to inspire and help teachers too, “Composition as Conversation” is a call to students primarily.
“I would ask students to take opportunities to cultivate their voices and contribute to the conversation seriously,” said Hoover. “That means treating assignments as opportunities to engage other perspectives. As in a real conversation, if we are all saying the same thing, we don’t grow.”
‘As in a real conversation, if we are all saying the same thing, we don’t grow’
Dr. heather hoover
For Hoover, writing as a “conversation” and engaging with the material changes students’ outlooks on writing.
“We all know how to have conversations and how to navigate different kinds of conversations,” said Hoover. “Taking that confidence to the page helps us approach writing with less trepidation.”
Hoover mentioned that in addition to her new book, she has more writing in progress.
“Right now, I am focused on finishing a novel,” said Hoover. “I have a poetry collection, “Strong Female Protagonist” coming out in June 2024. I’m just trying to pay attention and be curious and see where that leads.”
Copies of “Composition as Conversation” will be available for purchase through the Milligan Bookstore.
