I believe being a writer is one of the biggest gifts you can give to your students. ~ Stacey Shubitz
This month I am participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to Two Writing Teachers for creating a space for me to share my corner of the world.
Writing every day is a challenge, not only in finding the time, but in finding the topic and writing something that is worth sharing.
Too many times this month I feel I have slapped a slice together and hit the publish button, just to fulfill the requirement of
I have "met" a new blogger this month, and her writing has inspired and refueled me as a writer. She crafts slices of memories that place me, the reader, right there. She is a true wordsmith, using perfect words to create the perfect image. Her writing sucks me into her story, day after day after day. I have placed many of her slices in my mentor text file, not only for my students, but for me as well.
If you have not had a chance to read Fran Haley's slices from Lit Bits and Pieces, I encourage you to find some time today. And when I say time, I mean time to read each and every piece of her writing. I promise, you will come away inspired and motivated to reach for the pen.
In one slice she writes about “...creating the magic” – writing about what matters to you, tapping into your heart, your dreams, your struggles, your memories, making your writing authentic so you can help students do the the same..."
I have lost some of that magic this month. I wonder if it is because I am just trying to "complete the assignment." But for me, that is not why I write. She also says,
"Writing is the closest thing to magic that there is. As teachers we create the atmosphere for our writers. It’s one of excited expectancy, of energy, when young writers discover the power within them, learning how to harness words to impact readers. Writing, after all, is meant to be shared – it’s the connecting of human minds and hearts."
I am on spring break this week, and I will have some extra time to accept the gift I have been given through Frans's writing. I hope to "harness words" and reconnect with my writerly self to find that magic once again.
What a wonderful tribute. It's true that our fellow writers are so inspiring. I have saved several of f her posts as well. I think of this new craft like any other habit Some days are harder than others, in the end it's a experiment that I will be able to more authentically discuss with my students. If I write every day, I can teach others to write every day.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed re: the saving of posts! You're so right on some days being better than others. Some days it's awfully hard going, but press on - good comes out of it. I am still learning that. Your point about the experiment and being able to authentically discuss writing with your students is absolutely right - huge value in it!
DeleteWhat a great tribute to an inspiring writer. I realize my own writing and word-smithing waxes and wanes with my mood and my life-stressors. Some times I look back at old post and think, "Darn, I WAS good!" Now, in a very sad and stressful part of life, it is hard to write many days; however, I am using my own writing to measure and help my recovery! I guess my message it to keep writing through the hard parts....it's an amazing victory party at the finish line!
ReplyDeletebeautiful post about things that makes this community of writers so vital---inspiration and growing together. I'm off to check out her blog--thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post. It reminds me that I need to thank and give credit to those who inspire me as well.
ReplyDeleteritadicarne.com
I love your "tongue in cheek" edits in your piece. They are very expressive of how you feel and how you want your better self to be. So glad you found a kindred, admirable spirit to rejuvenate your writing soul.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne ... I am, at the moment, almost without words. I will try to say what's on my heart: I joined the TWT Slice challenge because I know that I need to stretch and grow as a writer. I knew it was a warm community, a gathering of kindred writing spirits willing to support and encourage one another. I was happy to be a quiet little part of that. I never expected, and stand astonished, at this response. There's no greater gift than to think any of my words give others courage to write or do whatever it is they've dreamed of doing. Talk about magic! We all make it, together. It's a created dynamic. This is what I've learned - stop holding back, make the leap, WRITE - trust your heart, trust the process of tiresome, constant revision - I owe it to the reader to hammer it into the best shape that I can. My spirits soar today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a little song ... love (writing love or commenting love, too) isn't live til you give it away... then it's like a magic penny- lend it, spend it, give it away and you'all have so many they'll roll all over the floor... the generosity and inspiration in this community of writers is like that
ReplyDeleteWriting is hard work, especially when our well seems dry. Fran is definitely a wellspring of inspiration; I'm a fan of her writing, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tribute. Thank you for sharing...I will definitely take some time to read her work.
ReplyDeleteOne of the many gifts of this challenge has been new friends, new people to follow and get to know. Then you lifted her up. That's your gift!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute, Leigh Anne!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you said this, "I have lost some of that magic this month. I wonder if it is because I am just trying to "complete the assignment." But for me, that is not why I write." For some reason, I've struggled with this feeling too, this year. I'm heading over to Fran's MAGIC blog, right now! What a tribute! You have such a heart!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I look forward to reading her blog!
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