Tag: writing process

Sharing the Love

~ Book Dragon ~ 4 Comments

If you have visited my blog this month, you know that I am a huge fan of the Six Word Memoir – distilling a story into a mere six words.

Those six words claim you as an author. A concept done and dusted, an achievement of sorts. The Six Word Memoir is a stalwart friend – solid and dependable – a reliable gateway to the world of writing.

Anticipating the upcoming Student Slice of Life writing challenge, I introduced my students to my dear companion by pulling up my Wordsmithing blog and showing them my sweet little stories. I explained those days I was struggling to create a Slice, I could string together six words. You can too!

I proceeded to provide them with a definition of memoir, had them turn and talk and share their interests and future aspirations. Sent them to their desk to brainstorm a list of their ideas and mine them to craft several six word memoirs.

As students brought up their Writer’s Notebook to me, I asked permission to share their memoirs with the entire class. Each student had their own distinct voice. I could sense the excitement building in my room – EVERYONE a writer.

At end of class I had students sit in a circle and share out either a memoir or a concept they are working on.

A few memoirs stood out to me.

I am a mini Albert Einstein.

I run fast just like Messi.

Not bad for third graders!

At the end of the day at dismissal, a student approached me and said, “ Ms Clark. I have another Six Word Memoir: I love writing Six Word Memoirs.”

My heart melted just a little bit.

I am creating writers, word by word.

I Dropped a Ball or Two

~ Book Dragon ~ 12 Comments

“To drop the ball means to make an error, usually involving a missed opportunity through carelessness or insufficient attention. When someone drops the ball, it often involves letting others down. The expression drop the ball came into use in the 1940s-1950s, and is related to a sport that involves the carrying of a ball.” grammarist.com

I dropped a ball or two.

Ever since my concussion, I have been in the habit of dropping balls. These balls are silent, quietly absorbing the impact of the Earth when they are dropped, rolling out of my field of vision. I only notice them when I walk around a corner and spot them huddled in a crevice.

As soon as I see a ball, I go, “Oh, oh, What did I forget?”

Emails I thought I responded to are stuck in the detritus of my inbox.

Text messages I thought I replied to, become apparent when a friend texts me again.

Both instances I apologize.

You know what else has dropped out of my field of vision?

Comments posted to my Slices.

I apologize profusely if I haven’t liked or responded to your comments in a timely manner.

What did I find this evening when logging into WordPress from my desktop computer? Pending comments from 17 days ago! Comments in the spam folder! (I didn’t even know there was a spam folder.)

I truly appreciate your comments! They are the golden nuggets mined from our collective experience. They are insightful, validating, and helpful. Your input makes me a better writer. Thank you!

So it is apparent I have dropped more than a ball or two.

If you are able to help catch and hold the others for me, I’d appreciate it.

How Do you Slice?

~ Book Dragon ~ 17 Comments

“Blogging is a conversation, not an editorial.” Glenda Funk

This statement gave me pause and had me reflect on how I Slice. In fact, Slicers sharing their experiences and perspectives during our Zoom Slicer meet up gave me food for thought.

A consensus is that SOLSC is about community, learning, reciprocation, and communication.

This is why I am back this year, despite my writing chops being glitchy due to my concussion. (See my previous Slice, Malfunctioning Software)

The topic may be our individual slices, but the issue is much bigger than our individual slices. This gives me comfort.

Glenda gave me the advice of revisiting past words for inspiration. Upon doing so I discovered a draft I started 4 years ago – a collection of mentor texts and ideas collated from SOLSC. I spent the afternoon sifting through them and formatting a new page, Writing Structures & Ideas, on my blog to share with others. Unfortunately, the page isn’t populating on my site, despite showing published in the editor. Any WordPress tech savvy people out there with suggestions? This page is one small way for me to give back to the community.

This brings me back to the title of this post. What is your process? Where do you garner your writing ideas? Where do you get your inspiration? How do you see yourself as part of this community? How do you Slice?

Six Word Memoir

~ Book Dragon ~ 7 Comments

Hello Weekend. My brain is fried.

Yes, another Six Word Memoir. Prior to signing on and committing to SOLSC, I decided to give myself the grace for breathing space. It’s okay not to have a perfectly crafted slice (even though that is what I desire.) Crumbs are okay, too. They are tasty! The process and participation supersede the product.

Recovering from a concussion, my brain functionality goes in waves and spurts. For the past year and a half, I haven’t been able to write the way I want to. I needed to be gentle and kind to myself to be able to participate and fully commit to SOLSC.

Thanks for reading and being part of this special community.

What is the product?

~ Book Dragon ~ 7 Comments

7 more days til the end

7 more days filled with chicken scratch (AKA random thoughts in writing journal)

7 more days of reading, writing, learning.

What is the product?

Self satisfaction

Growing confidence as a writer

Connections with a special community

The product is priceless.