Ink and Edit : Making Research Matter in Writing and in Life

Ink and Edit: Making Research Matter in Writing and in Life is a composition textbook that encourages students to explore who they are and what the world means to them in order to translate that self-awareness and knowledge into meaningful research and writing. Every chapter begins with a personal introduction by the author to provide context for the subject at hand, followed by exploratory writing exercises and carefully chosen readings that challenge conventional thinking about topics like identity, landscape and place, gender, privilege, violence, peer review, and wealth, among many others. Each reading is succeeded by discussion questions and in-class writing suggestions to encourage further exploration of both the written piece and the overarching topic addressed throughout the unit. Chapters close with a formal writing assignment, which instructs students to compose a written piece to apply the skill sets they’ve learned. 

In honoring each reader’s individual experiences and truths, and encouraging the sharing of personal stories, Ink and Edit challenges students to improve their communication, credibility, and knowledge through acts of courage, self-reflection, and practice. This book is ideal for courses in composition, creative nonfiction, or any course with a strong storytelling or research component.

Sam Bell, Ph.D., is an associate professor of English at Johnson County Community College. She earned her master’s degree from the State University of New York College at Brockport and her doctorate degree from the University of Kansas.