February 25, 2017
I believe that this has been one of the longest weeks of my life. Even though we didn't have school on Monday, there was so much else going on that I at times felt overwhelmed. Even after a reasonably restful day today, I still feel exhausted and behind.
My kids have just gone through a round of testing, and I admit that I wasn't very pleased with their results. I was talking with my co-workers trying to decide what I need to change to help my kids make progress in their learning when the results from a specific test blew me away.
I'll explain. One of the tests that they just took had two parts; a reading assessment and a writing assessment. The reading scores came back weeks ago, and those were the ones that I was stressing over. But then the writing scores came in and the growth that I saw blew me away.
One of my students grew 62 points!
I realized then that I had fallen into my old habit of making everything worse than it was. I'm a hard grader; I set high expectations for both the students and myself, and I get upset when they're not met. One of my coworkers said, "Think about it this way; you see their work every day, so it's harder for you to see the growth because it's subtle. But when you compare their writing from the first test to this one, it's easier to see the differences."
I have been working so hard with them on writing (it is, after all, what I plan to do with my life); we break down what is expected of them, define terms, create outlines, write summaries. It would seem that our hard work has created a difference.
This led me to think about my own writing. Even though I've encouraged my students to create outlines, I'd never done it for myself (unless you count my revising stage when I write down the events that have happened in order and correct names and other details). Spurred on from a talk with one of my best friends, I decided to try it on the book I'm working on. I started with the few events that I'd already written and started from there.
Half an hour later, I had a plot.
I literally tell my students that the purpose of writing an outline is so that you do the hard work on the front end, then shape the information into the proper form. Why wasn't I following that advice myself?
Now I have a clear view of subplots and character information to begin building in as I write. I always know a big picture and some of the big events in my stories, but the details usually come out in slow, painstaking fashion. The few chances that I've had to write this week have been insanely productive, and I'm so happy about it!
February is almost over. Though I only have 18 pages, I would hazard to say that it is some of my best and most coherent work that I've ever written at this stage in the process. Maybe I should listen to my friends (and myself, apparently!) more often when it comes to my writing!
“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout with some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.”
― George Orwell
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Musings From My Mind
Dreams are quite interesting, aren't they?
Think of a dream you've had. Have you ever woken up with the biggest smile on your face, or had to sit for a moment to fully realize what just happened?
I had several dreams this week that took me a minute to figure out what I had just dreamed about. Strangely though, those are the dreams that give me the most material to work with.
One night I promise that I had three dreams in one night; they all seemed to have nothing in common (save the people in it); I spent the rest of the day trying to figure out if there was a theme or something to connect them (something I've been teaching my kids lately). I never came up with anything, but it was a great exercise.
I also notice that the artistic things that I take in influence my dreams. For example, I've been binge-watching a show called "Turn" which is about a spy ring during the Revolutionary War. A lot of my dreams lately have been about being a spy, or being a slave or servant in the house of a British officer, and other such things.
Though the story that I'm currently working on doesn't really have anything to do with any of this, I take it as another great exercise. How can the emotions and overall feel of a narrative be captured in my writing?
When I was younger, my writing was simple. Basic ideas; I had a dream and I wrote it down. And let's be honest, dreams don't really follow a set story structure. I didn't really know how to add emotion and intrigue and adventure. Possibly because I hadn't experienced anything. I hadn't been in a relationship, I hadn't lived far from my family, I hadn't even strayed outside of my family's friend circle. I look back on my earlier works and honestly ask myself how I possibly expected this stuff to get published.
Once I got into college, though, things started happening. Not all at once, mind, but they did happen. I made new friends, friends that my family didn't know. I started pursuing my passions of acting and singing and ballroom dancing. I spent more time outside of my house. Then it hit me; it's hard to write about things that you have no experience of. I've always loved subtle romance in a story; but since I'd never been in love, I could not accurately capture the feelings that love could bring. I'd never really drifted away from a friendship, so I couldn't talk about the way that it can slip away. Emotions like these (and more) have truly enriched my writing.
I read somewhere once that one of the ways to become a better writer is to experience things. Travelling, talking to people, experiencing the arts. Because writing is my goal, I will continue to take in and experience all of the things around me in order to improve my craft; after all, at some point it must move away from musings and onto the page.
"The only source of knowledge is experience." - Albert Einstein
Think of a dream you've had. Have you ever woken up with the biggest smile on your face, or had to sit for a moment to fully realize what just happened?
I had several dreams this week that took me a minute to figure out what I had just dreamed about. Strangely though, those are the dreams that give me the most material to work with.
One night I promise that I had three dreams in one night; they all seemed to have nothing in common (save the people in it); I spent the rest of the day trying to figure out if there was a theme or something to connect them (something I've been teaching my kids lately). I never came up with anything, but it was a great exercise.
I also notice that the artistic things that I take in influence my dreams. For example, I've been binge-watching a show called "Turn" which is about a spy ring during the Revolutionary War. A lot of my dreams lately have been about being a spy, or being a slave or servant in the house of a British officer, and other such things.
Though the story that I'm currently working on doesn't really have anything to do with any of this, I take it as another great exercise. How can the emotions and overall feel of a narrative be captured in my writing?
When I was younger, my writing was simple. Basic ideas; I had a dream and I wrote it down. And let's be honest, dreams don't really follow a set story structure. I didn't really know how to add emotion and intrigue and adventure. Possibly because I hadn't experienced anything. I hadn't been in a relationship, I hadn't lived far from my family, I hadn't even strayed outside of my family's friend circle. I look back on my earlier works and honestly ask myself how I possibly expected this stuff to get published.
Once I got into college, though, things started happening. Not all at once, mind, but they did happen. I made new friends, friends that my family didn't know. I started pursuing my passions of acting and singing and ballroom dancing. I spent more time outside of my house. Then it hit me; it's hard to write about things that you have no experience of. I've always loved subtle romance in a story; but since I'd never been in love, I could not accurately capture the feelings that love could bring. I'd never really drifted away from a friendship, so I couldn't talk about the way that it can slip away. Emotions like these (and more) have truly enriched my writing.
I read somewhere once that one of the ways to become a better writer is to experience things. Travelling, talking to people, experiencing the arts. Because writing is my goal, I will continue to take in and experience all of the things around me in order to improve my craft; after all, at some point it must move away from musings and onto the page.
"The only source of knowledge is experience." - Albert Einstein
Friday, February 10, 2017
Music and Lyrics
My my, how fast time has gone! It seems like just yesterday I was writing my last post. Yet here we are again, on a Friday afternoon.
Normally I have to take a minute to ponder what I will write about; today, however, I have something very clear.
Last night I was privileged enough to attend a performance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. For those of you who may not be familiar with them, it was founded by Alvin Ailey, an African-American choreographer who was instrumental in providing opportunities for black dancers starting in the late 1650s. I already love dance and jazz, and the performance was a perfect mixture of the two (with a little Negro Spiritual thrown in there).
One of the things that I've always been proud of is my inclusion in a community of artists; actors, musicians, choreographers, dancers, writers, and so on. Instrumental to the growth of any artist is the experience of the art of others, and last night was a wonderful example of that.
The costumes, the choreography, the lighting, even the props all worked together in concert to create a beautiful, captivating performance. The dancers made be think back to my school days when I would dance around the house when everyone was gone, or even to college when I attended ballroom dance classes. Movement is such an important element in all types of art; even writing. I've mentioned before how I sometimes act out my character's responses in order to find the right word to capture the movement. The difference that one word or one move makes can change the whole character of the piece, whether in writing or in dance.
Even though the scenes tended to have clear arcs and storylines, I found myself creating storylines in my head as they danced. What would this character say that would match the expression of the dancer's movement? It was a thrilling exercise in imagination.
In the same manner, when I was younger I would create storylines to match the instrumental piece that I was listening to. It just goes to show you how important the collaboration between the arts is to creating new and wonderful things. Can you imagine watching Star Wars without the soundtrack? Wouldn't it be a different experience? In the same way, the dances that I saw last night helped to spark my imagination.
Though it's been a very busy week and I have not gotten to write as much as I've wanted, I'm still hopeful for what I will get to write over the weekend. My mind hasn't stopped replaying the dances from last night; hopefully some of the feelings can transfer into my words.
"The creative process is not controlled by a switch you can simply turn on or off; it's with you all the time." - Alvin Ailey
Normally I have to take a minute to ponder what I will write about; today, however, I have something very clear.
Last night I was privileged enough to attend a performance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. For those of you who may not be familiar with them, it was founded by Alvin Ailey, an African-American choreographer who was instrumental in providing opportunities for black dancers starting in the late 1650s. I already love dance and jazz, and the performance was a perfect mixture of the two (with a little Negro Spiritual thrown in there).
One of the things that I've always been proud of is my inclusion in a community of artists; actors, musicians, choreographers, dancers, writers, and so on. Instrumental to the growth of any artist is the experience of the art of others, and last night was a wonderful example of that.
The costumes, the choreography, the lighting, even the props all worked together in concert to create a beautiful, captivating performance. The dancers made be think back to my school days when I would dance around the house when everyone was gone, or even to college when I attended ballroom dance classes. Movement is such an important element in all types of art; even writing. I've mentioned before how I sometimes act out my character's responses in order to find the right word to capture the movement. The difference that one word or one move makes can change the whole character of the piece, whether in writing or in dance.
Even though the scenes tended to have clear arcs and storylines, I found myself creating storylines in my head as they danced. What would this character say that would match the expression of the dancer's movement? It was a thrilling exercise in imagination.
In the same manner, when I was younger I would create storylines to match the instrumental piece that I was listening to. It just goes to show you how important the collaboration between the arts is to creating new and wonderful things. Can you imagine watching Star Wars without the soundtrack? Wouldn't it be a different experience? In the same way, the dances that I saw last night helped to spark my imagination.
Though it's been a very busy week and I have not gotten to write as much as I've wanted, I'm still hopeful for what I will get to write over the weekend. My mind hasn't stopped replaying the dances from last night; hopefully some of the feelings can transfer into my words.
"The creative process is not controlled by a switch you can simply turn on or off; it's with you all the time." - Alvin Ailey
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Prophecies and Prayers
First things first, yes, I know that I'm publishing this on Saturday instead of Friday. It's just been that kind of week.
There comes a point in the school year when both the teachers and the students are just tired of school; we have hit that point. In short, I'm very excited to come home at the end of the day. Friday night I came home, took a nap, and woke up rather late. So I decided to post today.
But on to business.
On Sunday morning, I went to church and heard a great sermon. The pastor was really hitting it hard and giving some great points to consider. But one thing in particular stood out to me. Many times during a sermon, the pastor will say some general statements to get their point across. You'll buy that house you wanted, you'll get out of debt, etc. But in the midst of these statements, he said this:
"Your book will get published this year."
Now you all know by now that my dream is to be a published author; that's what it has been since I wrote my first (crappy) story at 11 years old. When I heard him say this I thought to myself, "wow. Is this what confirmation feels like?"
I set myself a goal to get published this year. I don't have grad school to take up my time; all that I really do is work. So I said that this would be the year that my book gets published.
One day during Christmas break, I was suddenly inspired to look at my old blog posts, which is why I'm here now. Pretty sure that one was God.
Instead of setting a New Year's resolution, I set myself a few goals. A few days later while talking to a coworker of mine, she also mentioned that she sets herself goals every year. God again.
Now that my goal is set, I hear the pastor deliver this word. If ever I was in doubt about my dream, I think God has handled that.
I was having a conversation with one of my best friends, whose dream it is to become an actor. I acted in college as well (that's how we met) and I do really love being on stage. He asked me why I didn't consider making it a profession. After a lot of consideration, I realized it was because I did not have the same drive for acting as he does. My drive is for writing. If I were to be rejected over and over again for roles, I would be very discouraged. But I've submitted stories to magazines for publication, and haven't been chosen once; however, that only pushes me harder to find the right magazine or journal for my work.
And if I needed any more encouragement, I had a conversation just yesterday with one of the substitutes at my school about writing and getting published.
She asked me how long I'd been teaching, and if I might stay in the profession for 25 years. I told her the honest truth: I do love teaching, but my passion is writing. If a book of mine gets published, and I have enough money to pay off my student loans and live, you can bet my full time job will be writing. She was very interested, and said that she wished she could write.
It just goes to show that God will let you know where you're supposed to go. When I was hired for my current teaching position, the first principal that I talked to at the job fair (who called me over to her) hired me. I was easily approved for an apartment. I had a friend willing to help me drive from Mississippi to Maryland.
So I will keep writing, though at times it may be hard, or I may have to overcome writer's block. I'm chasing my dream and praying that the right situation will come around to make it a reality.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
― Stephen King
There comes a point in the school year when both the teachers and the students are just tired of school; we have hit that point. In short, I'm very excited to come home at the end of the day. Friday night I came home, took a nap, and woke up rather late. So I decided to post today.
But on to business.
On Sunday morning, I went to church and heard a great sermon. The pastor was really hitting it hard and giving some great points to consider. But one thing in particular stood out to me. Many times during a sermon, the pastor will say some general statements to get their point across. You'll buy that house you wanted, you'll get out of debt, etc. But in the midst of these statements, he said this:
"Your book will get published this year."
Now you all know by now that my dream is to be a published author; that's what it has been since I wrote my first (crappy) story at 11 years old. When I heard him say this I thought to myself, "wow. Is this what confirmation feels like?"
I set myself a goal to get published this year. I don't have grad school to take up my time; all that I really do is work. So I said that this would be the year that my book gets published.
One day during Christmas break, I was suddenly inspired to look at my old blog posts, which is why I'm here now. Pretty sure that one was God.
Instead of setting a New Year's resolution, I set myself a few goals. A few days later while talking to a coworker of mine, she also mentioned that she sets herself goals every year. God again.
Now that my goal is set, I hear the pastor deliver this word. If ever I was in doubt about my dream, I think God has handled that.
I was having a conversation with one of my best friends, whose dream it is to become an actor. I acted in college as well (that's how we met) and I do really love being on stage. He asked me why I didn't consider making it a profession. After a lot of consideration, I realized it was because I did not have the same drive for acting as he does. My drive is for writing. If I were to be rejected over and over again for roles, I would be very discouraged. But I've submitted stories to magazines for publication, and haven't been chosen once; however, that only pushes me harder to find the right magazine or journal for my work.
And if I needed any more encouragement, I had a conversation just yesterday with one of the substitutes at my school about writing and getting published.
She asked me how long I'd been teaching, and if I might stay in the profession for 25 years. I told her the honest truth: I do love teaching, but my passion is writing. If a book of mine gets published, and I have enough money to pay off my student loans and live, you can bet my full time job will be writing. She was very interested, and said that she wished she could write.
It just goes to show that God will let you know where you're supposed to go. When I was hired for my current teaching position, the first principal that I talked to at the job fair (who called me over to her) hired me. I was easily approved for an apartment. I had a friend willing to help me drive from Mississippi to Maryland.
So I will keep writing, though at times it may be hard, or I may have to overcome writer's block. I'm chasing my dream and praying that the right situation will come around to make it a reality.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
― Stephen King
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