It's a new group, I read on Facebook from Two Writing Teachers, then on to Kate Messner's blog. I signed up, then went to twitter to find that there is a group there too, #TeacherWrite. Today, Jen Vincent is talking about her part at Teach Mentor Texts. When I go to twitter, everyone is talking, talking & the Google Docs document is filling, filling. Now I'm getting nervous. But I've already learned something good: Gae Polisner, author of The Pull of Gravity, offers a Friday Feedback post at her blog That Wee Bit Heap, & she will be joining Jen & Kate as the glue that holds this now quite large group together. So if you're not aware, check it out to see if you'd like to join & write with us. I hope to see some of you there!
So, I thought I'd write a poem in preparation for a beginning, and this is what happened.
I read once that poetry must come to you,
and find that this time it is not true.
I cannot write a decent line,
nor be the glue that holds
the words together
in sensible shape
and worthy form.
I cannot even find that poetry
which often keeps me warm.
I could write lists of things I love,
and things that make me think.
I feel I'm able to perform,
but now,
instead,
I'll blink...
And sigh,
and know that to be or not
is not for me,
this time.
Looking forward to more words, more exploration with this fabulous group.
Decided to sign up today too! It does seem to be something that is really growing, how exciting. I will be eager to see what we all do and how we all grow!
ReplyDeleteTerrific. I've seen several names from the slicers & other groups, Betsy. It's fun to try something different too.
DeleteIt sounds very exiting. The number of participants looks big. It's like a group of runners before a start of a marathon. I won't join, but I will be the audience cheering along the road.
ReplyDeleteWill look forward to your cheering! Are you finished with school? I have one more week, lots of fun, but we're all ready to be done. Happy vacation to you, whenever it arrives!
DeleteFriday is the last day. Happy vacation to you too. As I understand it is not going to be slow and mellow, but filled with writing, writing, writing.
DeleteHi Linda, I signed up as well after I saw Kate's post, but now I'm a little nervous about it--lots of people! We'll see where it goes . . . I just may find out there is a different kind of writer deep down inside -- as opposed to my slicer writer. :) Just noticed the 'button' too. I'll have to go grab me one! Looking forward to more learning with you!
ReplyDeleteI've seen several 'slicers' on the list, but remember March? This is about 4 times as many. I'll look for you, Michelle, if that's how it works. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Are you finished with school yet?
DeleteI don't know... it seems like maybe you did find a bit of poetry... funny, I'm trying to write a poem or two too today -- something I did a ton of as a kid and teen and twenty-something then stopped altogether. Now, as a "professional" writer, I keep thinking there are rules to poems and I need to go study them before I write them when I've never really studied any writing rules (other than those you learn as a matter of course in primary school, HS and college). Funny the barriers we all put up for ourselves. Let's see if I can hurdle this one. :) Welcome to Summer writing, Linda!
ReplyDeleteHi Gae, thanks for coming by & the welcome. I really am excited.
DeleteI had good teachers, as I remember, but still there are those 'grades' we earned (I guess) & that put some stops in our brains that prevents us from just using the words freely. Many seem to be still fighting to break the barriers. Me too.
Signed up! And joined Twitter! And now I'm nervous...I'm not sure how Twitter works yet, but I am excited about this writing project. Although, even as this endeavor begins I go into a busy few weeks of school coming to an end, so we shall see how I do! I love these lines in your poem:
ReplyDeleteI could write lists of things I love,
and things that make me think.
...that's the core of writing! So, I believe you will thrive over the course of this summer camp! Now I'm off to "grab the button" and make my participation official on my blog!
Hurrah Tara. I think they are saying it's come & go as you can. I know you have the busiest weeks coming. I have one more week, but I don't have the grades, etc. & big responsibility like you. It's an exploration for sure. Kate says she envisioned about a dozen people & it's more than 600 now. Amazing! I'll look for you on twitter, too!
DeleteI couldn't believe how this has grown. When I signed up on Kate's blog, there were under 50 people. Now over 600. Crazy. I excited to start--and a bit nervous--but it should be fun. I'm going to try and follow slicers especially, but there are many people to check out. I don't think we'll be able to read and comment on everyone!
ReplyDeleteRemember March? That was a little under 200, but different in approach I think. We'll see. I'm excited you're signed up too, Deb. Stacey & Ruth have started us all into this, don't you think? Wow!
DeleteHi Linda! Can't wait to begin Teachers Write! Like Deb I signed up and thought I was joining a small group. How powerful, though, to see how many of us are out there. :) Loved your poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine. It's amazing how many & people I imagine will come & go as they work & play! Looking forward to it.
DeleteSo glad to see you visit my page today and to know you are trying out the camp too. ;) Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteTerrific! Will look for you!
DeleteI love poetry, and I love the lines, "but now,
ReplyDeleteinstead,
I'll blink..."
How often have I blinked, fingers poised above my keys, blinking, blinking, hoping that on the next blink will be the perfect word!
Thanks for writing that.
Thank you Sheri. I see that you understand. It's true for me too!
DeleteWhat a lovely poem to begin the concept of hesitation, the fumbling attempts at beginning, and the unresolved note that seems to suggest another exploration in the near future. I am sure that kids would relate to this. What a wonderful activity as well for teachers. I get lost in Twitter seriously. While I am aware of what hashtags do and how it can organize things for you, it just goes over my head for some reason.
ReplyDeleteI think we are going to fumble a bit, but with fun and time, perhaps it will turn out very good indeed. Thanks for the comment Myra. I hope the trip to Vegas continued to go beautifully.
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