Happy October! WRITE a slice of life story on your own blog. SHARE a link to your post in the comments section. GIVE comments to at least three other SOL bloggers.
new posts in all blogs
By: Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski,
on 10/3/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Slice of Life Story Challenge, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Deb Frazier,
on 10/3/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: assessment, collaboration, writing workshop, responsive classroom, classroom environment, Assessment Strengthens Writers Blog Series, Add a tag
By: Dana Murphy,
on 10/2/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, minilesson, Add a tag
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 10/1/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: poetry, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/29/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Lisa Keeler,
on 9/28/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: community, writing, challenges, writing workshop, classroom expectations, classroom environment, Add a tag
By: Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski,
on 9/26/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: gratitude, inspiration, writing workshop, plan book, back to school, reflective practice, growth mindset, LIWP, Add a tag
By: Deb Frazier,
on 9/25/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Dana Murphy,
on 9/23/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 9/23/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: comparisons, writing workshop, simile, Add a tag
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/19/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, small group, Add a tag
By: Lisa Keeler,
on 9/18/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: authors, writing process, inspiration, writers, writing workshop, writer identity, Add a tag
By: Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski,
on 9/17/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: family, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Deb Frazier,
on 9/16/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: community, character development, writing workshop, back to school, morning meeting activity, responsive classroom, academic choice, choice, classroom environment, Add a tag
By: Katrina DeLallo,
on 9/15/2016
Blog: The World Crafter's Inkspot (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Fantasy, myth, maps, writing workshop, writing conference, worldbuilding, The Reader, introverts, Introverts unite! Local author, Add a tag
But, it was cool to see she posted a picture of the flowers on Twitter! :)
The other and FIRST cool thing was that I attended a one-day writing workshop. I LOVE going to those things. They are so inspiring. Gets me really pumped up and in the writing groove again.
I have to say, though, that writing conferences contain some of the most introverted attendees in the world! (It is possible other conferences, such as those for actors, singers, musicians, or anything dealing with the artistic side of the brain contain introverts as well, but I have never seen more people less willing to cause a scene in real life than I see at writing conferences.)
The speaker is giving the opening speech, all crazy-confident and funny. (Obviously, he is experienced. The public speaker in me suffers some serious envy.)
Mid-sentence, the speaker pauses and asks, "Are you looking for a seat?"
All attendees shift in their chairs, and cast surreptitious glances back.
The person in question hunches up like she's trying to disappear into a sweater and waves a don't-worry-about-it-hand. "It's okay, I'm just going to stand in the back."
Speaker: "There are seats available, if we could get people to point them out?" Questioning glance around the room.
Timorous hands come up, pointing to empty seats. Nearly inaudible voices say, "There's one here."
Person in question sort of drifts to a chair in the back and goes invisible as she settles.
Speaker goes on like nothing happened, while everyone else breathes relieved sighs that THAT awkwardness is over!
And this happened a couple times, not just once. In retrospect, it was super funny, but at the time there was this camaraderie of commiseration at BEING SEEN IN PUBLIC. It was especially bad when people had to leave to attend their 10-minute query pitch. Standing up in a room of people is hard, you guys! So many muttered regrets of "What was I thinking?" and "Should I go now, or wait another minute, since it's still five minutes before I have to pitch?" and "I wish I was sitting in the back! I'll know better next time."
I had a 10-minute pitch of my own, wherein I verbally pitched my query to a really awesome agent. Like, awesome. She was incredibly nice, and actually seemed to like what I had to say. For a writer, that is just really nice, to get the affirmation that your writing isn't as bad as you sometimes feel it is. (Just so you know, a verbal pitch is WAY harder than a round-table critique. At least with a round-table critique, you have your MS in your hand and you can read the printed word aloud and not really make eye contact with anyone. With a verbal pitch, it's just you tooting the merits of your manuscript, and I think most writers are very precious about their ideas. They cradle them close and don't share. Ever. So, saying, "this is what my story is about" and ENGAGING... is hard.)
Guys, I could literally world-build all day and not write a lick of story. I love to figure out why MY world is the way it is (such as someone in the far distant history of a particular world making such an enormous mistake that the hero in the present day now has an issue with adamant), and I love to study how other people sprinkle in backstory and implement that into my novels, so I don't have the ever-present problem of INFO-DUMPING (oh cursed words!) or people scratching their heads and saying, "I don't understand what's going on..."
I love creating the history of my world. I also find it interesting that, for the most part, a lot of fantasies tend to have a sort of creation element. Like, this world exists, and while there may not be a One God figure (mine tend to have those, because that's the way I roll), there is often a strong draw from Roman or Greek myths, folktales, legends, and fairytales. I think it's because fantasy reveals a truth. Myths, legends, and fairytales contain that same kernel of truth.
"Fantasy remains a human right: we make in our measure and in our derivative mode, because we are made: and not only made, but made in the image and likeness of a Maker."
Do you prefer Greek or Roman myths? (If you answer other, what's the other myth you prefer?)
Favourite fantasy artist?
What's the coolest thing that's happened to you this year?
Add a Comment
By: Dana Murphy,
on 9/15/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: slice of life, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 9/14/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Elizabeth Moore,
on 9/12/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, conferring, drafting, engagement, choice, independent writing, Add a tag
By: Dana Murphy,
on 9/10/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: giveaway, mentor texts, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Lisa Keeler,
on 9/9/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing process, observations, narrative, challenges, assessment, writing workshop, launching writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/8/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, partnerships, Add a tag
By: Deb Frazier,
on 9/7/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 9/4/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Elizabeth Moore,
on 9/3/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, coaching, Add a tag
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/1/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, charts, back to school, first day, Add a tag
View Next 25 Posts
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: colacho, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 51 - 75 of 992
By: Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski,
on 10/3/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Slice of Life Story Challenge, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Deb Frazier,
on 10/3/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: assessment, collaboration, writing workshop, responsive classroom, classroom environment, Assessment Strengthens Writers Blog Series, Add a tag
As learners ourselves, we know students need a supportive culture where taking risks, asking questions, and understanding the value of the process is omnipresent.
By: Dana Murphy,
on 10/2/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, minilesson, Add a tag
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 10/1/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: poetry, writing workshop, Add a tag
I am on a technology roll lately! First Evernote and now Padlet. Check out the start of a new tool to inspire my students.
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/29/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
Claudia Mills' newest book Write This down was released on September 27th. In a recent essay, she shares some of her processes and revision decisions as she worked through drafts to published copy. 
By: Lisa Keeler,
on 9/28/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: community, writing, challenges, writing workshop, classroom expectations, classroom environment, Add a tag
Many of us are fast approaching the sixth week of school. Many of us consider that the first of countless milestones in our school year. Six weeks in, routines are beginning to solidify,… Continue reading 
By: Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski,
on 9/26/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: gratitude, inspiration, writing workshop, plan book, back to school, reflective practice, growth mindset, LIWP, Add a tag
What if there was a way to build in opportunities to reflect, in writing, about my teaching right in the place where the lesson plans reside? And what if that place could also offer daily inspiration and opportunities to set positive intentions for the week ahead?
By: Deb Frazier,
on 9/25/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
My students won’t become writers just because I want them to be writers. Writers need to wallow in new information, time to let all the words, ideas and questions wash over them, connect with their schema, and let the new information become their own.
By: Dana Murphy,
on 9/23/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
We have been on pins and needles over here at Two Writing Teachers as Stacey’s due date approached. We have all been anxiously checking our email and text messages for news. Today we… Continue reading 
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 9/23/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: comparisons, writing workshop, simile, Add a tag
This week I’ve been checking and monitoring my students’ work and making plans. I’ve been delving into some fun lessons from, The Big Book of Details by Roz Linder for inspiration and using… Continue reading 
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/19/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, small group, Add a tag
Small group instruction is a powerful way to reach and teach more students in your classroom!
By: Lisa Keeler,
on 9/18/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: authors, writing process, inspiration, writers, writing workshop, writer identity, Add a tag
For writers to grow, they must develop writer identities. How do we help them do that?
By: Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski,
on 9/17/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: family, writing workshop, Add a tag
Can a Family Dialogue Journal help build stronger home-school connections through written conversation?
By: Deb Frazier,
on 9/16/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: community, character development, writing workshop, back to school, morning meeting activity, responsive classroom, academic choice, choice, classroom environment, Add a tag
The young writers sitting in our classroom will rise above the fears and struggles of being a writer, but it will take intentional planning, repetitive teaching, daily writing, and reteaching. Writing is hard work. Students don't become writers because we have writing workshop. Writers become writers because teachers have clear intentions and a vision of what's possible.
By: Katrina DeLallo,
on 9/15/2016
Blog: The World Crafter's Inkspot (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Fantasy, myth, maps, writing workshop, writing conference, worldbuilding, The Reader, introverts, Introverts unite! Local author, Add a tag
I'm going to write about the second thing first, because it was more recent and I still feel geeked out by it.
I'll be honest - it was sort of a cool/sad moment. I work part-time at a flower shop, which opens at 9:00 a.m. When I got into work, I discovered we had a wire-in order from PUTNAM, CONGRATULATING ONE OF THEIR AUTHORS ON HER BOOK BIRTHDAY!!!! I kid you not, I stared at that sheet for a full minute, thinking how cool that there was an actual traditionally published author IN MY TOWN and that she got signed by a really big publishing house!!
 |
| The names have been censored to protect the innocent :) |
I did feel a little sad that I was so far away from that being MY reality.
But, it was cool I got to deliver her flowers!
But, t was sad because she wasn't home so I didn't get to meet her or get a business card or be all like, "Yo, congrats, gurl!"
Neat, right?
The other and FIRST cool thing was that I attended a one-day writing workshop. I LOVE going to those things. They are so inspiring. Gets me really pumped up and in the writing groove again.
I have to say, though, that writing conferences contain some of the most introverted attendees in the world! (It is possible other conferences, such as those for actors, singers, musicians, or anything dealing with the artistic side of the brain contain introverts as well, but I have never seen more people less willing to cause a scene in real life than I see at writing conferences.)
Let me give you one moment from the workshop:
The speaker is giving the opening speech, all crazy-confident and funny. (Obviously, he is experienced. The public speaker in me suffers some serious envy.)
Mid-sentence, the speaker pauses and asks, "Are you looking for a seat?"
All attendees shift in their chairs, and cast surreptitious glances back.
The person in question hunches up like she's trying to disappear into a sweater and waves a don't-worry-about-it-hand. "It's okay, I'm just going to stand in the back."
Speaker: "There are seats available, if we could get people to point them out?" Questioning glance around the room.
Timorous hands come up, pointing to empty seats. Nearly inaudible voices say, "There's one here."
Person in question sort of drifts to a chair in the back and goes invisible as she settles.
Speaker goes on like nothing happened, while everyone else breathes relieved sighs that THAT awkwardness is over!
And this happened a couple times, not just once. In retrospect, it was super funny, but at the time there was this camaraderie of commiseration at BEING SEEN IN PUBLIC. It was especially bad when people had to leave to attend their 10-minute query pitch. Standing up in a room of people is hard, you guys! So many muttered regrets of "What was I thinking?" and "Should I go now, or wait another minute, since it's still five minutes before I have to pitch?" and "I wish I was sitting in the back! I'll know better next time."
I had a 10-minute pitch of my own, wherein I verbally pitched my query to a really awesome agent. Like, awesome. She was incredibly nice, and actually seemed to like what I had to say. For a writer, that is just really nice, to get the affirmation that your writing isn't as bad as you sometimes feel it is. (Just so you know, a verbal pitch is WAY harder than a round-table critique. At least with a round-table critique, you have your MS in your hand and you can read the printed word aloud and not really make eye contact with anyone. With a verbal pitch, it's just you tooting the merits of your manuscript, and I think most writers are very precious about their ideas. They cradle them close and don't share. Ever. So, saying, "this is what my story is about" and ENGAGING... is hard.)
But one thing I realized during my pitch, and which I think came through most strongly, was my love of world-building.
Guys, I could literally world-build all day and not write a lick of story. I love to figure out why MY world is the way it is (such as someone in the far distant history of a particular world making such an enormous mistake that the hero in the present day now has an issue with adamant), and I love to study how other people sprinkle in backstory and implement that into my novels, so I don't have the ever-present problem of INFO-DUMPING (oh cursed words!) or people scratching their heads and saying, "I don't understand what's going on..."
Also, maps.
 |
| My first ever cityscape - be impressed. This was HARD |
I love creating the history of my world. I also find it interesting that, for the most part, a lot of fantasies tend to have a sort of creation element. Like, this world exists, and while there may not be a One God figure (mine tend to have those, because that's the way I roll), there is often a strong draw from Roman or Greek myths, folktales, legends, and fairytales. I think it's because fantasy reveals a truth. Myths, legends, and fairytales contain that same kernel of truth.
"Fantasy remains a human right: we make in our measure and in our derivative mode, because we are made: and not only made, but made in the image and likeness of a Maker."
~ J. R. R. TOLKIEN, On Fairy-Stories
To end:
What is your favourite fairytale?
What is your favourite fantasy book/series?Do you prefer Greek or Roman myths? (If you answer other, what's the other myth you prefer?)
Favourite fantasy artist?
What's the coolest thing that's happened to you this year?
God bless!
Cat
By: Dana Murphy,
on 9/15/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: slice of life, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 9/14/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Elizabeth Moore,
on 9/12/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, conferring, drafting, engagement, choice, independent writing, Add a tag
With very good intentions, we teach kids to do their best to really finish a story before they move on to the next one. However, a little bit of flexibility will go a long way in increasing engagement, volume, and independence in young writers. 
By: Dana Murphy,
on 9/10/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: giveaway, mentor texts, writing workshop, Add a tag
By: Lisa Keeler,
on 9/9/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing process, observations, narrative, challenges, assessment, writing workshop, launching writing workshop, Add a tag
We spend a week or so sharing stories, and building excitement for writing stories. We hand out notebooks with fanfare, and writers happily personalize them. They brainstorm ideas for stories they could write.… Continue reading 
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/8/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, partnerships, Add a tag
Like so many routines and procedures, the investment of time to establish successful, productive, independent partnerships is incredibly worthwhile!
By: Deb Frazier,
on 9/7/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
A few shorts weeks ago our new school year began. I am feeling the pressure of getting to know my students, setting up our room, and building a community of learners. In these early days, I tread slowly.
By: Betsy Hubbard,
on 9/4/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, Add a tag
We often say things like, "stories are everywhere," but do we really show students where stories can live?
By: Elizabeth Moore,
on 9/3/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, coaching, Add a tag
As a literacy coach, my preference is to visit on any given regular day to be a part of what is authentically happening, and to have genuine, in-the-moment conversations in the classroom. At the same time, it is helpful to have some structure around how a given classroom visit might go--so that people know what to expect. Conferring with teachers and co-teaching makes this possible.
By: Melanie Meehan,
on 9/1/2016
Blog: TWO WRITING TEACHERS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing workshop, charts, back to school, first day, Add a tag
You can learn a lot about students when you give them a chance to tell you want they know!
View Next 25 Posts