WORDY WEDNESDAY: THE TROUBLE WITH THINKING

After a couple of good writing weeks, I've begun to wriggle in the chair upon which I dutifully sit to write each day. I have been THINKING (yeah, I know) about how my new story relates to AUDITION and wondering, do I dare stick with verse or should I tell it in prose? What is the best form for this particular character and her unique narrative? Should I take a quick break and go thaw some chicken so my kids can eat tonight? So many questions were tangled in my head this morning that even the prospect of watching my DVR recording of GLEE later on did not cheer me (and yes, I like the picture because I kind of do feel like Coach Sue is pounding on my skull).

Luckily, midmorning on Wednesdays, I have to leave my computer to teach "Literary Magazine" to a third-grade class. Admittedly, I was dragging my feet today, feeling like I have nothing to teach anyone about writing today. But they were waiting for me.

We've been writing all year. The last few weeks, the kids selected and revised their best stories and poems. Today, they became editors, choosing a title, organizational structure and look for their magazine. I let them take charge and the kids leapt into gear. Leaders emerged. Brainstorm sessions took place, followed by lots of voting! They were working so hard they literally ignored the ringing lunch bell. 

I couldn't stop grinning. The kids were so empowered, so excited to be close to seeing their words in print, that their joy was contagious. And I realized something. I have been so anxious about sticking to my writing schedule, about getting my work done and not letting myself be distracted, that I'm not sure I've allowed myself enough time to just relax and enjoy the prospect of seeing AUDITION between covers. To be happy. To feel and not THINK.

The kids named their magazine, "Stories Off the Page." And, right now, I'm just going to feel proud of them for a little while!

THE BUSINESS OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS: "Free" Lessons for Children's Book Writers

On Wednesday mornings, I teach "Literary Magazine" in my son's third-grade classroom. I take half the class  at a time, so it's nice for the teacher to spend an hour with a smaller group. And, it's something different for the kids, so they seem to enjoy it, too. But the person who likes "Literary Magazine" best of all is me. (For a charming take on school visits, read Louise Borden's delightful THE DAY EDDIE MET THE AUTHOR.)
What's so great about spending an hour a week with ten third-graders?

• I get to experiment with writing strategies, themes and ideas I am developing for reading guides.

• I learn what works and what doesn't work--what makes sense and what goes right out the proverbial window.

• I get to see what third graders of all sorts of ability levels can and want to do.

• Working with my son's class reminds me that all kids don't find reading easy...all kids don't love to write...but ALL KIDS want to share their stories.

These lessons are valuable in so many ways, not the least of which is the way that they can prepare published and unpublished writers for the school and library marketing journey. Here (in no particular order) are six things I have learned.

1. I love teaching kids and I don't mind if they're a little bit flaky. In fact, I often find the disinterested or unfocused kid my biggest challenge and work hard to think of ways to help them get in touch with their "inner writer."

2. I can make kids think I'm cool (and occasionally funny) by not being too strict and admitting when I mess something up.

3. I love the hush that comes over the group when I read something really great out loud.

4. I find that kids enjoy breaking down WHY a story or paragraph engages them.

5. I have found free writing to be a great teaching tool, but it is skill that must be developed and tends to get harder as kids reach adolescence (this I've learned from also working with older students).

6. I find stereotypes such as "hyper kids should be onstage" and "quiet kids are probably going to become computer programmers or writers" to be highly amusing--and the kids do, too!

If you can't make a list something like the one above, go to your local elementary, middle or high school and volunteer to teach writing (aka, "free" lessons on developing your school and library marketing platform and presentation). If you wind up having fun, then school and library appearances are probably for you!