Yes, I am new here. I am not someone who uses
Message boards...possibly have been around too long to understand them.
To Stephen: My aunt gave me your books when I was a teenager, and I found them to be thrilling and haunting! I have stayed away from scary books for many years, raising children, until my 18 year old was assigned On Writing for his college class. 1. I have a new appreciation for your work as a writer and of your life as a man/husband/father! 2. I am inspired to take my many writings over the years--all done in secret and only as a hobby for a busy teacher/mom--and START OVER! When I taught 2nd grade, long ago, my students were having a hard time w creative writing. I started writing at my desk during writing time (modeling technique learned in grad school ) and then read my story to them--they were mesmerized and caught the fever! I simply began with a noise that came from a classroom down the hall and a truthful situation where the students and teacher felt frightened and surprised---this simple start introduced wonder into their minds, and each began his own story about what this noise could be! It was my favorite experience as a teacher of writing. Thank you for inspiring me to write now. I am going to work at it and follow the technique I used w those students which I believe you may suggest in your book, On Writing! I will begin with a what if and go forward without a plot...writing for my own pure enjoyment and discovery, just as those second graders did that day---That is what it means to create!! Thank you so much and God bless you!!
Message boards...possibly have been around too long to understand them.
To Stephen: My aunt gave me your books when I was a teenager, and I found them to be thrilling and haunting! I have stayed away from scary books for many years, raising children, until my 18 year old was assigned On Writing for his college class. 1. I have a new appreciation for your work as a writer and of your life as a man/husband/father! 2. I am inspired to take my many writings over the years--all done in secret and only as a hobby for a busy teacher/mom--and START OVER! When I taught 2nd grade, long ago, my students were having a hard time w creative writing. I started writing at my desk during writing time (modeling technique learned in grad school ) and then read my story to them--they were mesmerized and caught the fever! I simply began with a noise that came from a classroom down the hall and a truthful situation where the students and teacher felt frightened and surprised---this simple start introduced wonder into their minds, and each began his own story about what this noise could be! It was my favorite experience as a teacher of writing. Thank you for inspiring me to write now. I am going to work at it and follow the technique I used w those students which I believe you may suggest in your book, On Writing! I will begin with a what if and go forward without a plot...writing for my own pure enjoyment and discovery, just as those second graders did that day---That is what it means to create!! Thank you so much and God bless you!!