I have decided to jump toes first into TeachersWrite, a virtual summer writing camp for teachers and librarians hosted by Kate Messner. As part of this challenge, my
goal is to write every day (and make an effort to post nearly as often). Wednesdays at camp are about Questions &
Answers with writer-mentors. So, I’ve
decided to do my own version of reflection here. I have loads of quotes from writers just
waiting to be harvested. When I first
heard Katie Wood Ray speak, she talked about keeping the inspirational words of
writers on index cards to teach from.
Wednesday posts throughout the summer will be my version of those index
cards.
A writer’s words:
“I don’t know why, but if I’m working on a book, it will
cause ideas for two more. I’ve currently
got 130 ideas for books. I’ll never
catch up.”
-Gary Paulsen, source:
Author Talk edited by Leonard S.Marcus
What I can learn from
these words:
Writing causes new ideas.
and
It is okay to have ideas I don’t ever write about—my writing
territories list is not a “to do” list, but rather a list of writing
possibilities.
How I might approach
this teaching point with my 8th graders in writers’ workshop:
As you write today, notice new ideas that bubble to the
surface of your mind. Be intentional
about recording these ideas—add them to your list of writing territories.
This is an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing the quotes and your ideas for using them as teaching points.
ReplyDeleteI love your approach, Christy, to have some plan for writing for the week, to inspire, get you going. I do find if I write, the words do come, but sometimes there isn't exactly a plan. Good luck with your work. And, happy to see you here!
ReplyDeleteThis was such a neat trail of thinking: from a quote, to your writing life,to your students. It may look daunting to write every day for almost three months, but I think you are going to find out that summer is short when it comes to writing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea, thinking, and reflection. Just really cool! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete