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catalysts for writing
catalysts for writing
Here's an example: 18 November 2014 Boston: A Wicked Good Time A year ago today, according to my Facebook timeline which now serves as my memory, I was packing for a trip to Boston for NCTE and ALAN. I had no idea how amazing this trip would be and how it would impact my life in big and small ways. It was wicked good! For one, I had yet to discover the most amazing food in the history of the universe: the Florentine cannoli from Mike's Pastry. Where ya been all my life?! Seriously, somebody please ship me a box! I had not yet discovered the place I want to live if I ever leave Iowa. Oh, Boston! You had me when the sun magically appeared as I stumbled down the wrong street from the hotel and discovered Fenway! See the angelic presence in the center of the picture? My whole trip had that halo effect. And I got to wander around this most charming of historical cities with several of my favorite people: Brenna Griffin, Abby Hendrickson, and Kirstey Ewald. A year ago, I had not heard my childhood hero Judy Blume's genius advice on getting kids to read books you love: "Tell them they aren't ready for it yet. And walk away." All my teaching life of twenty years, I have revered the name Nancie Atwell. She has been the shining light of reading & writing workshop in my classroom. Her work In the Middle is amazing. I have every versions. A year ago, I had not met my teaching idol.
I attended the Adolescent Literature Assembly at NCTE, also know as ALAN, for the first time a year ago. I heard amazing talks from so many wonderful authors, it was almost overwhelming. I had yet to hear the most inspirational thoughts on hope from Joan Bauer. I had yet to hear the wisdom of real truths from Laurie Halse Anderson. I had yet to meet Rainbow Rowell, Bill Konigsberg, Chris Crutcher, Swati Avasthi, and a host of other wonderfully literate humans. I had not yet heard Natalie Lloyd's awesomely delicious read aloud of her novel A Snicker of Magic. Could anyone love words more than she does?! A year ago, I had not had an author respond to my Facebook posts WHILE I was reading his book, resulting in a meta-reading experience I will never forget and turning into an unforgettable school visit from the incomparable Matt de la Peña. I have been to NCTE multiple times, but this was a halcyon moment. I'm so thankful to my school district and to ICTE for supporting this trip and my professional development.
Did I mention the life-changing properties of the Florentine cannoli?
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Ever notice how many magazine articles have a list in the title? "10 Apps Every College Student Needs," "6 Songs to Play on Acoustic Guitar," "7 Body Myths Busted," "3 Rules for Real Strength." You get the idea. Make a quick list based on any topic. Ideas: Things you are an expert on, best/worst events, favorite words, etc. Then star or highlight the things you could write more about. Then write!
The best bonus to this strategy is that you can use it an any time in your writing process. I use it to get unstuck once I've run out of ideas. Most of my notebook drafts have lists in the margins for when I come back to the writing fresh to get my writing launched next time. Two of my favorite lists come from a favorite book, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. The main character Melinda shares the "First Ten Lies They Tell You in High School" and later "Ten More Lies They Tell You in High School." These lists give a clear understanding of Melinda's character. THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL 1. We are here to help you. 2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings. 3. The dress code will be enforced. 4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds. 5. Our football team will win the championship this year. 6. We expect more of you here. 7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen. 8. Your schedule was created with you in mind. 9. Your locker combination is private. 10. These will be the years you look back on fondly. TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL 1. You will use algebra in your adult lives. 2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away. 3. Students must stay on campus during lunch. 4. The new text books will arrive any day now. 5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores. 6. We are enforcing the dress code. 7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon. 8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals. 9. There is nothing wrong with summer school. 10. We want to hear what you have to say." — Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak) Another of my favorite lists is from an old favorite movie Ten Things I Hate About You, based on William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Taylor found another listing strategy that's cool: to write an alphabetical advice list. Check it out at http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/11306724617/270.
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AuthorMrs. Paulsen writes, reads, knits and shoots arrows. Archives
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