Starting a week from today, this blog will be hosting Teachers Write, an online summer writing camp for teachers and librarians from all over the world. I’m too excited about this to sit still, so I thought we’d have a quick preview post today – think of itas the official Teacehrs Write warm-up!
If you’re a teacher or librarian and you’d like to learn more (and maybe join us this summer!) you can click here to learn more. And the sign-up page is here.
Today, to get us ready for next week, I’d like to address two big questions that have come up from teachers who have heard about the program but feel a little hesitant about diving in.
Question 1: How do you find the time to write? I’d love to do this, but I’m busy, even in the summer months.
Answer: I’ve always found the idea of “finding time” to be kind of misleading, as if you can poke around in the garden and come up with an extra couple of hours a day if you look hard enough. The truth is, you don’t find time to write; you have to make it. And you make it by choosing to spend a little time each day – maybe just 15 minutes – writing, instead of doing something else. That something else that you give up might be one television show, or fifteen minutes of sleep, or (gasp!) time on Facebook or Twitter. You have to choose to make that writing time. It’s worth doing if writing is something you really want to do. I posted about this last year on Teachers Write, and you can read more of my thoughts here. Writer John Scalzi also wrote on this topic – in a blog post that is the rougher-language, tougher-love version of mine. Not really suitable to share with kids, but great if you really want a kick in the pants – it’s here.
Question 2: I’d like to do this writing thing, but I’m kind of afraid.
Answer: Yeah…me, too. Still. Every time I start a new book. I don’t have a magic answer for this one, other than to tell you that you’re not alone. Writing can be scary, but in the best possible way. Here’s a 2012 Teachers Write post about Writing Scared, and I also recommend this book – ART AND FEAR. But mostly, I recommend that if you want to write, you write. We’re all in this together, and we’ll be cheering you on if you do.
Now…what other questions do you have? Fire away in comments – or just take the plunge, sign up for Teachers Write, and join us next Monday.
I read every blog and article on this page, so inspiring. Ready to really write this summer. Have a couple projects on my mind, and although I am taking a vacation, still will be writing a lot this summer. Can’t wait!!
Fantastic! So glad you’ll be joining us, Janet!
I always feel better writing in the early morning hours (before the house gets rockin’). Knowing that a few of my friends are out there doing the same thing makes it easier. On goes the coffee and I think, “Good morning, guys. Let’s get to it.”
If I could just stay away from searching the Internet, checking twitter, procrastinating by reading a good book (which isn’t a bad thing), or checking my favorite author blogs, I would have more time for writing. It is difficult to stay focused when there are so many technological distractions (I’m not sure if that makes sense, but I mean being distracted by social media, iPad apps, and other cool computer devices). My goal for this summer is to not be so distracted. I have taken the wireless service off my upstairs computer – no distractions (I hope – fingers crossed).
My question: I need some tips on how to balance getting my four kids all of the places that they need to be (examples: practices, games, and play dates) while still finding time to write. Is it possible?
I am so excited for TeachersWrite 2013. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, Kate!
I am interested in this project and am looking forward to picking up a pen to write during summer vacation. Thanks for the opportunity to join you.
I signed up last night. Is there anything else I need to do? Is there a place for me to log in or to make sure I get all the posts? Thank you for your help and I look forward to writing with everyone!!
You’re all set, Abby – posts are shared on my blog (www.katemessner.com/blog) daily by about 7am EST at the latest. Just check in, write, and share whatever you’d like!
Thank you so much!! I am super excited about this new adventure!!