I know! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but it had to be said. It's been ten amazing summer weeks of the awesomeness of Teachers Write! I have to say thank you again to the fabulous Kate Messner and the wonderful Gae Polisner for making this super secret plan as insanely super to the millionth degree.
Kate's Teachers Write quick-write post on Thursday asked us to write a letter to ourselves 10 weeks ago. I love thinking back to where I was, who I was, and how I felt about writing a mere 10 weeks ago. How excited were you to read that the Teachers Write fun has not come to an end?!?!? I know that when Kate talked to me about the need to continue Teachers Write, I was ecstatic and relieved. I don't know how it would be possible to say good-bye or really truly say, "The End."
What exactly does "Not The End" look like for Teachers Write here at TMT? My plan is to continue to share thoughts and ideas about writing and specifically how my experiences or your experiences can influence how we teach students and support them with their writing. Teachers Write posts won't be every Sunday, but they'll be once or twice a month. I hope you all stop by and share your continued progress!
I can't stop my fingers from going on ahead and writing this flashback letter so I have to just do that now. Thanks again to everyone! I appreciate each and every one of you and I hope you experience was as positive as mine!
Dear Jen,
In November, you signed up for NaNoWriMo. It didn't work out. You've been trying here and there to add to what you started for NaNoWriMo. That hasn't worked out either. Face it, you need to get real about writing and you need help to make it work. You want this. It's time to reassess what you are doing and find something that works for you. The time is now.
Here's what you need to do for yourself:
You need to make writing a priority.
Find a time to write and find a place to write - away from distractions.
You need to set some goals and get to it.
When you really do make the time and stick with your writing and give it the energy it needs - you are going to make huge progress on your writing. You have 15,000 words written but by the end of the summer you'll be so proud of the work you have put in and how far you have come. (I won't tell you how far you'll get - that'll have to be a surprise. Just trust me, you'll be so overjoyed that you'll give yourself two big thumbs up.)
Here's the next thing to do - you need to find support:
You don't have to do it all alone!!!
Tell all your family and friends you are writing a book.
Send an e-mail to Kate and Gae - authors who want to help.
With Kate and Gae's help, you will never feel alone.
Do what you can to bring other teachers who want to write along with you!
Keep your eyes open for friends on Twitter and in the blogosphere who have something to share.
Be a cheerleader and you'll find others to cheer you on.
Don't be afraid to take risks and reach out to others - you need them!
By the end of the summer you'll not only be amazed at what you have written, you will be full to the hilt with amazement at the support you have received. Kate and Gae and all the other authors who join in will overwhelm you with their generosity and positive energy. You'll strengthen relationships with friends and find totally new friends who all share a passion and excitement for writing and learning. You'll find a maquizga - no one even knows what that is yet, but by the end of the summer you will look back and recognize that having a maquizga made a huge difference in your life as a writer.
It's time. You can do it. Believe in yourself. Don't give up. Stay strong!
You are a writer.
Now write.
Lots of love,
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