JBD: you might also introduce the notion of drafts and editing. Talk about getting ideas on paper quickly and revising. It will help to get him past that "everything must be spelled perfectly the first time through.
He could even pencil it in lightly and erase when he gets the correct spelling if he doesn't want to rewrite the whole thing.
Just a thought to combat perfectionism...
What She said!!
IDEAS are more important than craftsmanship. LINKING the elements together is more important than craftsmanship. Once all these are there, then focus on prose - the thing can be said hundreds of ways, but there is only one thing being written about. That thing is the key.
Not to say phrases and evocations cannot be jotted down as well - but these are not the same as ideas.
I agree to a point - definitely that ideas getting down on paper are key - but kids don't even need to be the person holding the pen!
My ds was writing "BOOKS" at the age of 4. He was just in love with books from early on, so it seemed natural to him to start making his own. His writing was nuts, however, very difficult to read but I enjoyed very much trying to decipher his little taped together books and viewing his extremely detailed illustrations. Lots of his books were variations on other books I'd read to him. Some were his own unique stories. By 1st the school had started emphasizing correct spelling, grammar etc. This REALLY slowed him down and frankly discouraged him.
He is just now beginning to get the hang of writing fluidly and the ideas are flowing better again. He is really into making comics now as well so that breaks up all the writing and allows him to succinctly offer ideas in just a few phrases.
During that transition period, I have definitely sat and just transcribed for him when he was in the mood to tell a story but just couldn't write 'properly' fast enough.
I wanted to second (or third) the idea that IDEAS (and having fun) are key - - however the ideas get out
