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Ten days until the Slice of Life Challenge begins. This will be my first challenge and I am excited, yet scared. I look forward to the challenge of writing every day.
But yet, I am scared. Scared that I won't have the time to sit down and put my words on paper. Scared that I won't have anything to write about for 31 days straight.
Today was hectic. I got home from school at 7:30 this evening and knew that I had my slice to write for tomorrow. Sitting down with my computer, I thought...
I really don't have the time. I have tests to grade, plans to make, and resources to find.
I really don't have anything to write about it. I really don't have the time to sit and think about ideas.
This is what I am afraid of. That panic that a deadline is coming. Being so tired that the words just won't come. That I will write just for the sake of "finishing the assignment" and not necessarily writing words that someone will want to read.
All in just ten days.
For those of you who have participated before, please feel free to leave advice in the comments. I am sure many of us new slicers will learn much from your mentoring.
I'm right there with you...which is a good thing. I know you can do it, if you know Ican do it! Also...Read Nancy's slice. http://twoyearsandfinishingstrong.wordpress.com/2014/02/18/what-would-have-happened/#comment-1180
ReplyDeleteEvery day I'll post a link to another Slicer's writing for inspiration in case you need an idea. However, I have a feeling you'll be able to find 10 minutes to write about your days, which seem like they're brimming with things to write about.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to having you on-board, Leigh Anne!
You'll be great! I always write the night before and schedule the post to go live in the morning. That way if I'm not feeling inspired, I can find something during the day. I always seem to find something I could write about. You can also make a list of things you think you could write about ahead of time and look at posts from last year of people who have sliced before. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteKatherine gives great advice. You also might want to sit down and generate a list before March 1 that you can always go to. One of the most powerful parts about the Challenge was understanding how students feel. Sometimes getting started is really the hardest part.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Melanie! That is exactly what I did my first year. I started with a list of about 15 things that I could fall back on. I found that I only had to consult my list about 3 times during the month. I was afraid I would start strong and then lose steam but what I found was that it got easier to find ideas later in March than at the beginning! I began to really think like a writer. I was noticing little things in my life that I didn't give much thought to before. I think you will be great and I think you will enjoy how it changes you as a writer! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love everyones comments and great ideas but my first year I was not so together. I often wrote late and got my post in at the end of the day but I got it posted. I often sat down with no idea what to say and feeling I had nothing to say but as I started to type there was always a little something from the day I could share. A comment a student made, a reaction to my read aloud, something I saw on the way home. The post were not long, just a note to self ( and others). I came to enjoy those few moments of writing at the end of my day. I did it and you can too. Relax and think - just a few words that is all I need to write.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be just fine, Leigh Anne. My advice is not to think too much about it. Part of the growth you will experience as a writer will be the daily quest for something to say. And...we learn from each other - I always get ideas from everyone else's slices!
ReplyDeleteJust staying a step ahead helps me during the month. I always write the day before so I can post in the morning. Having a list of possibilities helps. Some days there are several slices in your life and other days seem mundane with nothing to write about. That's when the list comes in handy. It's fun to try out new bits of craft in the writing. Just don't stress! :-)
ReplyDeleteI had planned a different slice today but your slice prompted me to write a response to you. http://justforamonth.blogspot.com/2014/02/to-leigh-anne-and-other-first-time.html
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your March writing.
I feel the same every year...because I am in the habit of writing on Sunday afternoon and even get disturbed if I don't have 'my' time. I also know that during the slice everyone is very forgiving, and it doesn't always come out right the first time...and THAT IS OKAY! It is what our kids face every day. You can do it, and it will be awesome. xo
ReplyDeleteOne thing to remember is that we'll all be 'behind' you, giving you support, and comments! Sometimes a brief post that's an observation is all that's needed. It is a little different from every Tuesday, and people appreciate brevity too. All the ideas above are good. I usually write the night before, my best time, but I've heard others say they get up a bit earlier because that's their favorite time. Best to you, Leigh Anne!
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, this will be my 3rd year of the March challenge. I remember when my daughter, Michelle, challenged me to participate. I had all sorts of excuses and then I said why not. But then, like you I wondered what I would write about - I'm retired, live in a small community and not much happened on a daily basis, but I found myself becoming more aware of what was happening around me. I also write the evening before and post in the morning and I can honestly say that I haven't had a hard time thinking of slices to share. I look forward to sharing in this slicing experience with you and the rest of this community.
ReplyDeleteSo much depth in these responses! Terje's letter is amazing! I have found that having a few draft slices ready to go on those days that life just takes over has been helpful. I started getting my slices ready this past weekend. But I have also had so many inspirations by reading other slices! I go and start a draft slice with a few notes on what to write when I have time. Happy writing!
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