Authors craft refers to the skills and techniques that an author uses to tell a story or create a piece of writing. It includes the intentional decisions, tools, and techniques an author uses to convey a story and develop and support a central idea in a text. Some examples of authors craft include:

• Voice: The authors writing style that makes their writing unique. A writer uses certain words to show their style, and an authors voice may change depending on the genre of the text.

• Mood: The emotions and feelings of the reader while reading a text. For example, if youre reading a horror story, the mood might be scary or suspenseful.

• Point of View: The perspective from which the story is being told. This is an example of authors craft when the author uses a unique point of view to tell the story.

• Characterization: The development of a character within a story. This can include describing the characters thoughts, dialogue, or interactions with other characters.

Teaching authors craft involves breaking down the topic into manageable parts and providing explicit instruction, examples, and mentor texts. Students need explicit instruction, practice, and feedback in the techniques of writing craft in order to become proficient writers.