When was the last time you sent a postcard to someone else? Remember trying to write your message in the tiny space provided, scrunching your letters and even curving them up the side to avoid the "DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE" section reserved for the mail service scan code? Did you pause before writing,… Continue reading Postcard
Author: Pollyanna Writer
Character Voice
Today's #TeachersWrite task, provided by Phil Bildner, encouraged us to explore a character's voice through thought/speech bubbles. Fun! It was a creative challenge I couldn't wait to dive into... then I realized I could make the task into a presentation instead, showing other teachers and students how to do the same thing using technology! (I… Continue reading Character Voice
Tuesday Quick Write – Week 3
The noise got louder the closer we came. "C'mon, Sara, we're gonna be late and they might run out of my favorite pizza!" I watched as my best friend since second grade walked ahead of me, her cute little ponytail bouncing behind her. Jeannie had no fear. She would dive into an ocean filled with… Continue reading Tuesday Quick Write – Week 3
I Am But One
I am only one person but I can cultivate kindness through actions and words, mold memories with passion and love, shape student success to learn, grow and be, without apology apathy atrocity; I can create change in all that I do. I am an educator, a learner, a leader, a mom; I am all these… Continue reading I Am But One
Flaw or Fortitude?
Ahhh... I can feel the cool refreshment of the clear, sparkling water as I dip my toes once again into #TeachersWrite summer camp. Today's assignment, from author Lisa Papademetriou, the author of A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic, encourages us to experiment with characterization. We are to write a scene exemplifying a character's virtue then… Continue reading Flaw or Fortitude?
#TeachersWrite Day 4: Expanding Voice and Characterization
Today's Teachers Write task comes from author Tracey Baptiste, challenging us to dive into character voice. There are 4 separate exercises; each task concentrating on a different aspect of character voice, some timed for quick responses. We were asked to choose a character from a work in progress, one who we are still trying to… Continue reading #TeachersWrite Day 4: Expanding Voice and Characterization
#TeachersWrite Day 3: Character Sketch
Wednesdays are usually Q & A days at Teachers Write, where we have the opportunity to ask published authors questions about the writing process or other aspects of writing/publishing. Sometimes there will also be a writing prompt, as provided today by Melanie Crowder.We are challenged to create and expand a character sketch, which is new… Continue reading #TeachersWrite Day 3: Character Sketch
#TeachersWrite Day 2: Character Quick-Write
Today's writing task is from author Phil Bildner, challenging us to develop characters from observing those around us. Oh my, if this isn't a southerner's dream assignment! Being TOLD to people-watch for the craft of writing... why yes, I do believe I can accomplish this goal! I'm a people-watcher by nature. The act of social… Continue reading #TeachersWrite Day 2: Character Quick-Write
#TeachersWrite Day 1: Wonder List
Today begins the first day of my favorite summer writing camp - Teachers Write! Created by Kate Messner, this camp encourages teachers of all disciplines to be brave with their writing and share with an authentic audience which includes other teachers and published authors. For more information on Teachers Write click this link: http://www.katemessner.com/blog/. For those… Continue reading #TeachersWrite Day 1: Wonder List
Why I Wear a Two-Piece
Here we are again, the one time of year most women despise: bathing suit season. Something about shedding the comfortable layers of fabric to reveal our true silhouette is intimidating and filled with silent (and sometimes vocal!) angst. I get it. I really do. Believe it or not, I also fight the demons in my… Continue reading Why I Wear a Two-Piece