Saturday, March 1, 2014

SOL # 1 Thoughts on Writing

Last year I participated in writing a Slice of Life story for every day in March. It was a tough challenge, but allowed me to believe for that month that I was a writer. I wrote pieces about memories of growing up, my family and my work. I occasionally wrote a poem. I surprised myself.

After the challenge ended, I had mixed feelings about participating again. Recently, I read one post by Donalyn Miller in which she says, "If you write, you are a writer."  You can read her post here:
http://bookwhisperer.com/2014/02/22/im-a-reader-not-a-writer/

Wow, that says to me, I must participate in the SOL for this year.  I can once again say, "I am a writer." I'm hoping the habit of writing continues more consistently this year. I hope I can complete some of my ideas for picture books.

Another part of Donalyn's post says a writer makes others care about the writing. In the past, I have written from my heart, so it meant something to me. Now I must try to view each piece of writing to see if the writing stirs emotions in others. I like thinking about how others perceive my writing. Sometimes that keeps me from posting until the piece makes sense. It reminds me of teaching writing in elementary school, because students were taught to write for a particular audience. I also remember while working on a dissertation, one advisor kept asking the question, "So what?" She was trying to encourage me to think about reactions from those outside my world.

Another helpful tip from Donalyn was "ALL writers struggle". I hope, with daily practice, my writing improves.

Here goes, my first post for SOL14.

6 comments:

  1. Donalyn's words are so true: a writer makes others care about the writing. I think that this is the part that you will find so wonderful about the March Challenge - the feedback and sense of community. We care!

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    1. Tara,
      Yes, I agree, the writing community is a valuable way to spend my time.

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  2. I love the "So what?" question both in writing and reading. I hope you will enjoy writing in March.

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    1. Thank you, Terje. I sure enjoy reading everyone's posts.

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  3. So what? is such an important question to keep in mind when trying to convey stories. Thanks for sharing Donalyn's post.

    Did you ever publish based on your dissertation? I am still working on that and am hoping to submit a small piece soon.

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  4. Thank you, I finally did get my dissertation published. It was a huge weight lifted from my life. Now I feel that I can focus on so many other things. Hang in there, you will reach your goal. Best to you.

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