These three young ladies were among a small group of writers scattered along benches in Tommy's Park the other morning. This group looked to be recording their early morning observations of people on their way about their lives. Writing was always hard for me. When Mrs. Kibler and others slid a piece of lined paper across my desk on Fridays and just said write a story, I felt overwhelmed. There was no real help or direction just the intimidating words 'write'. Terms like brainstorming, pre-writing activities, and finding your voice were still pretty much ensconced in the future. The finished paper was due on her desk first thing Monday morning, and so this usually meant a long frustrating Sunday evening and the end of my weekend. I got to dread Sunday afternoons and evenings. Mom knew what I was up against and offered encouragement and ideas. Needless to say, I survived seventh grade. Given what I know now, I certainly would enjoy another crack at those Friday writing assignments. Alas, life moves on!Saturday, July 23, 2011
Writers Write
These three young ladies were among a small group of writers scattered along benches in Tommy's Park the other morning. This group looked to be recording their early morning observations of people on their way about their lives. Writing was always hard for me. When Mrs. Kibler and others slid a piece of lined paper across my desk on Fridays and just said write a story, I felt overwhelmed. There was no real help or direction just the intimidating words 'write'. Terms like brainstorming, pre-writing activities, and finding your voice were still pretty much ensconced in the future. The finished paper was due on her desk first thing Monday morning, and so this usually meant a long frustrating Sunday evening and the end of my weekend. I got to dread Sunday afternoons and evenings. Mom knew what I was up against and offered encouragement and ideas. Needless to say, I survived seventh grade. Given what I know now, I certainly would enjoy another crack at those Friday writing assignments. Alas, life moves on!
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what a lesson in teaching style and its impact on a child. you were a natural born story-teller. if your teacher's style had been better matched to your tale-spinning instincts, who knows what a different life would have awaited you. of course the life you have is pretty peachy but it's fascinating to consider the different roads you might have taken.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I know exactly what you mean.
ReplyDeleteThis photo is priceless!
I have always been able to write, but I still learned a lot about writing along the way. One of the best lessons was when I was a first or second year lawyer assigned to write a contract for a partner of the law firm. I spent time trying to find a model for the contract, with no luck. When I went back and confessed that I was stuck because I couldn't find a model, he asked, What are the terms of the deal? I told him orally. He said, Just write it down. The lesson to just write down what I am thinking, and not anguish, is a good lesson.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Kibler would be proud of you today!
ReplyDeleteThat blank piece of paper, and the even blanker (is that even a word?) mind must be the ruin of many a would be writer....somehow I don't think that applies to you anymore Birdman!
ReplyDeleteNice pic,
ReplyDeleteI was never subjected to "just write a story" I'd be dreading Mondays also.
Yes, life does go on -- in the form of grandchildren that dread writing assignments. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI LOVED my writing workshop class in grade school. Probably because I had a really great teacher who encouraged us to write stories, poems, or anything we wanted. I think I have a harder time writing now!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture of the girls :D
Cute capture. While I enjoy writing, I've never liked the phrase 'find your voice'. It really isn't helpful for those students who don't understand what it means. Btw, if Mrs. Kibler read your blog, she'd be pleased.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I heard the theme to Disney World come on the TV on a Sunday evening as a kid, my heart would drop - the weekend was over! Hearing that song still makes me anxious for a second.
ReplyDeletefunny, huh, how some things you hated when young, now seem like some sort of pleasure!
ReplyDeletei always really hated sports, i was the kind of person always to be chosen last, probably that was one of the reasons i hated it so much, and now i voluntarily goto the gym and workout until i cant anymore... :)
I really hated writing when I was at school, it's a bit different today. Nice candid scene.
ReplyDeleteWhat are these kids doing without any electronic device? Lovely picture...
ReplyDeleteOh yes, you have moved on... with speed and wit!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you, Birdman.
Much of my job is "writing the term paper" as I call it and have found that the best approach for me is to just "tell the story" as I see it. All the rest is research and back-up which anyone can find.
ReplyDeleteYou are as brattcat said, a natural-born story-teller.
Bises,
Genie
Nice to see young ones spending time writing. I loved writing and still do. That is a big job for a kid though if they don't feel the same and a piece of paper is just given to them with no assistance.
ReplyDeleteSounds like me back in my school years. I simply dreaded writing papers and remember that sinking feeling of putting the assignments off till the very last moment and struggling to put the words to paper. But you are right, as time moves on, we grow out of those dreaded childhood bugaboos, and now I ask myself, what was the big deal? I like your picture today. These girls remind me of my daughter, who always liked writing, and still does. Isn't life funny :^)
ReplyDeleteWell, you don't seem to have writer's block these days. Your stories and such are quite entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI do get the feeling that two of the three would rather be doing something else.
The two on the left look like they may be suffering from writer's block but the one on the right is on to something.
ReplyDeleteExactly what brattcat says . . .
ReplyDeleteI think you are a fine writer. Much better than me. This is a wonderful shot!
ReplyDeleteOh, never never want to be a seventh grader again ... these are the best of times!
ReplyDeletethis is a great shot, very expressive. You have the writing gift, your stories are always interesting.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have been having some high temps lately. We've barely cracked 70 all summer.
Well, both your teacher and esp. your Mother did something right since you now love it. Write on, birdman!
ReplyDeleteI always write straight out of my mind, and work on it after if needs be. Always loved writing and reading. Think the two go together.
ReplyDelete