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mar's Desk

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Marcoujor: The Future of Writing

5/25/2016

22 Comments

 
Picture

Last week I spent two hours having the time of my life with 34 children from nine to ten years of age.  Yes, you heard correctly... :)

I have a dear friend, also named Maria, who invited me to meet with her class and another to talk about how writing inspires me.  She had already read excerpts of  Kylie's Blossoms to her students, telling them that I was an author, a nurse and a professor. 

I was thrilled to accept this opportunity, yet never expected the positive response I received from the students... really heartwarming and inspiring in and of itself.  Here is a shot of me surrounded by some of the most amazing kids on the planet - seriously!

Picture
​These youngsters wanted to hear what I had to say.  They were curious yet respectful. Their open minds and hearts made them an ideal audience - I looked at the most adorable sponges before me, absorbing my every word.  As such, I took this presentation seriously... 

I asked initially if anyone in the class had ever thought about writing a book.  Imagine my delight and surprise when they informed me that everyone present had written their first book in Grade One.  One young lady shared two books she has written since - lovely, self - illustrated collections of poetry.

I polled the group and about 50% of those present enjoyed writing.  Thinking of the adults I teach and their trepidation with the writing process, I thought this was a fabulous starting off point.

I shared the following key points with them to foster their enthusiasm for writing ...involving their active minds as much as possible:
  • Read as much as you can
  • Observe everything around you - take pictures if you like
  • Be curious - ask family and friends to tell you their stories
  • Experiment to discover your favorite style of writing
  • Try on different kinds of writing
  • Use your voice - your own words - to tell a story
  • Listen for helpful ways to improve your technique / your craft
  • Believe in yourself - you have wonderful ideas waiting to be written
​I was impressed with the students' attention span.  However, after about an hour, I felt the need to give everyone a short break.  Maria was masterful in her selection of an interactive YouTube that got everyone up and dancing...even yours truly!  Have a listen and you may find yourself doing the Continental Drift yourself...it's rather addictive, in the best of ways!
After this energetic stretch, everyone was ready for my challenge - aka a contest.  I gave each student this copy of Mike Friedman's beautiful photograph of sunflowers.
Picture
Image via Michael Friedman of Mockingbird Books. Click the pic to visit his website.
I gave everyone about 15-minutes to write either a two paragraph story or a two stanza poem about how this picture made them feel.  In case you were wondering, the students were well-versed in the definition of paragraph and stanza.

I brought along four autographed copies of Kylie's Blossoms that were awarded to the first four students whose names were pulled out of a box and who were willing to read their work to the class.   

Opening the floor to Q & A, I could see that my audience had been listening - some had even prepared questions beforehand. Here are some of the questions I was asked... I'm sure there were more that I'm forgetting...
  • Where did I get my inspiration for Kylie's Blossoms?
  • How long did it take me to write Kylie's Blossoms?
  • Who helped me with the illustrations? (Thanks, Mike Friedman!)
  • Who helped me with the publishing? (Thanks, Mike Friedman!)
  • Do I have a favorite book (or story) that I've written?
  • What are my plans for a future book?
  • What degrees do I have? From what schools?
  • How do I handle students who do not want to learn?
Picture
There were a few moments before class was dismissed and some of the students asked if they could also read their stories.  We all agreed that each story read was from a different point of view  as one youngster summarized for us.

I am in the process of writing feedback on each of these brilliant pieces - looking forward to returning them and saying HI to my writing colleagues before they break for the summer.

I was touched and honored when some of the students asked for my autograph at the end of the class - as I was the first author they had met.  

​The pleasure was all mine... a time of joy, inspiration and fun that I'll carry in my heart forever. I'm in discussions with Maria to see how I might mentor some of the group who already have a demonstrated passion for writing...more to come, as we refine the specifics.



ShoutOuts!

☙What do you say? Via marcoujor’s musings
☙The new honesty via WarnerWords
​☙Tinnitus: A Constant Chorus of Katydids via flashPress

Until next week, spend some time in the company of the younger set - it's worth the investment.

Hugs, mar
22 Comments
Kim Thompson
5/25/2016 05:32:59 am

Good Morning Mar
What a wonderful adventure! Spending time with these little ones surely put a smile on your face and in your heart. I am sure you made a great impression and inspired future writers.
Thank you for sharing
Love and Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:28:29 am

Dear Kimmie,
You were my role model - I remember a sweet picture of you reading your "Sunnie and her Peeps" to another wonderful group of kids.
Thanks for your inspiration and friendship. Love, mar

Reply
Peg Cole link
5/25/2016 08:58:12 am

These students renew my faith in our younger generation. Their eagerness to learn, absorb and participate indicates strong and competent teachers have inspired them to grow. I'm sure this experience with you will be etched in their memories for years to come. Thanks for sharing this wonderful adventure.

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:30:54 am

I feel the same way, dear Peg. Teachers like my friend, Maria, are instrumental in giving these young minds the permission to be creative and curious.

Reply
Mike
5/25/2016 11:31:49 am

Hello Maria. It looks like both you and the class had a memorable day. I am sure they will remember their first meeting with an accomplished author.So nice that these kids gave and received in this classroom setting. It speaks highly of your friend Maria as well.

Glad all had a good day.

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:33:46 am

Thanks, Mike. Your partnership in working on Kylie's Blossoms extended into my presentation - and I know the students enjoyed 'meeting you' as well.

Reply
Paula link
5/25/2016 01:38:57 pm

Sounds like you had a grand time, Maria. I have much confidence and faith in today's "Kids!" Just spending time with my army of grandchildren is more fun & challenge that this old Gram ca handle. They ARE so bright, inquisitive & eager to learn. They also crack me up constantly. I'm impressed with their sense of humor & comfort in relating to adults.
I'm sure those kids just loved Miss Maria and hope they see you again!! I have one extra precious, unique 10 yr. old grandson who has an enormous & wonderful imagination. I do believe we have a "writer" in our family!! (Perhaps a Steven King!) LOL Love ya, Paula

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:36:54 am

What a wonderful comment, dear Paula - How exciting to think of your grandson as a 'writer'... he certainly has a grand role model in his GM!

Love ya too, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
5/25/2016 04:12:51 pm

Dear Maria,
What a fantastic and fortunate opportunity for both you and the kids to meet each other like this. Such a great bunch of kids, bringing joy and inspiration your way. I bet your visit have made them even more inspired to become an author one day. You're after all such an inspiring and cool author to follow. One whom I look up to and admire so much myself.
I find your choice of Mike Friedman's beautiful photograph of sunflowers to be such a great challenge for the class, and I would love one day to read their stories or two stanza poem about how this picture made them feel.
BTW, I've been walking out like grannie. . .all evening long after watching the Sid Shuffle video, haha! Very catching! :)
Thank you for sharing this inspirational story, dear friend.
Take good care now!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:40:35 am

Oh I'm grinning at the idea of us BOTH doing this adorable dance... I was convinced that 'walking it out like Grannie' was directed at Miss Maria... :)

I wanted you to know I brought a couple of your beautiful books to show the students how other authors worked...they loved them - so thank you, dear Sannel.

Reply
Maria Carroll
5/25/2016 06:17:59 pm

Maria, what an awesome summary of a spectacular day! The kids are still talking about it. Some even wrote a few more pieces that they want me to share with you. We will also connect on you mentoring especially one special girl who loves to write. This was a day they will remember forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! Love, Maria

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:45:21 am

Dear "Mrs. Carroll",
I am so pleased that you approve of this post...hoping you share it with the students and their parents too.
I'm thrilled to meet again with the students before summer break - will enjoy reading their work 'any time' and discussing ideas for future mentoring with you.
This was an A+++ day for sure.
Love,
"Miss Maria" ;)

Reply
Martie link
5/25/2016 06:59:23 pm

Dear Maria, what a wonderful experience! I studied the picture of you surrounded by students. One can clearly see above average intelligence on the faces of those kids. Because they read, and even write? One can but only wonder what came first: Intelligence or the love of reading/writing?

Thank you so much for sharing this awesome experience with us.

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:48:19 am

What an interesting observation and question, dear Martie. I wish you could have been with me - you'd have loved the experience.

Thanks for your support and visit. Love you much, Maria

Reply
Ruby link
5/25/2016 08:33:01 pm

I enjoyed reading about your day at school. Appears like a good time was had by all. Who knows, one of the students may, someday become a writer. I'm sure they will remember you. Thanks for sharing Mar. Hugs..

Reply
Maria link
5/26/2016 09:50:58 am

I hope and believe that some talented writers will emerge from these classes of students, dear Ruby.

Thanks for your visit and beautiful remarks. Hugs to you too, mar

Reply
Vicki link
5/28/2016 08:27:59 pm

Dear Maria,
What an exciting and lovely story! I'm sure those children will always remember you, and who knows how many of them will want to be writers later on. I cannot think of a better mentor for them.
Love and hugs,
Vicki

Reply
Maria link
6/1/2016 05:37:59 am

Thanks, dear Vicki. I've had some wonderful mentors in my life so it would be an honor to be one for others.

Have a peaceful day. Love you too, Maria

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
5/31/2016 03:36:08 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

Love this post and so happy you shared it with your fans! Also, big thanks to the class for agreeing to be in some pics for the post! This is the sort of setting that should thrill any writer. And, knowing you've influenced some of the younger crowd to consider producing some of their own literary works is an extra helping of awesome-sauce on the cherry pie! 🍒

Reply
Maria link
6/1/2016 05:41:11 am

Thanks, femme - if there ever was an example of 'awesome apple sauce', this was the experience... :)

Hugs and smiles, mareer

Reply
Shauna
6/17/2016 12:54:56 pm

What an awesome experience, Mar! And the kids have to be commended. The questions they asked were well-thought out and showed their interest in writing and what you, as an author, had to say. I'm sure this is an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Reply
Maria link
6/20/2016 07:35:26 am

I agree, Sha - these kids had done their homework - and truly a memorably enriching experience for me.

I look forward to a return visit in the Fall... Love you, mar

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me