We Interrupt This Blog Break...

Just a few announcements... 
 
Okay, remember that post back in October when I asked you to sell me on Twitter? I've been thinking about your input (which was very helpful, btw) and yes, I did it. I jumped back on. So if you use Twitter, look me up, will you? I'm KLELange. :)                                           

Most of you know that I teach online writing classes for homeschool students, grades 9-12, at the Homeschool Online Creative Writing Co-op. I'm offering sessions in Creative Writing, Flash Fiction, and Writing the Essay beginning on January 10, 2012. There are still openings, so if you or anyone you know are interested, click here for details.

The Coffeehouse for Writers is gearing up for the new year. Classes begin January 2, 2012 and include great workshops like Creating Characters, Writing Scenes, Blogging for Profit or Pleasure, Writing for Children, Social Media and more. Instructors include Jennifer Brown Banks, Kathryn Lay, Victoria Grossack, Sandra Kischuk, and Ayn Hunt, to name a few. Don't forget, yours truly teaches the Basic Boot Camp for Writers. Visit the Coffeehouse site for details.


Hope you are enjoying good times with friends and family. See you in 2012. :)

Happy New Year!

Karen




Photo Credit: Stock Exchange

Advice for Young Writers

It's that time again. The fall session for the teen online writing classes have begun. In addition to the lessons and assignments, I like to post helpful tips from writers I know on our co-op forum. Since most of you are writers or the creative type of another kind, I'd be grateful for your input.

Published or not, you are all in this because you feel the call to write or share your creativity in some way. I'd love to hear what you have to say to young writers. Some will go on to become writers like us, and others will use this experience to polish their communication skills. Either way, your advice can be an encouragement and perhaps a spark that lights a writing fire for the future.

What kind of advice am I looking for? Anything that has to do with writing or all things creative. For example, when I asked Brian Ianieri, reporter for the Atlantic City Press, what his advice was, he shared several things. The first thing he mentioned was to use good resources like The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. His closing thought told them "to have fun" with writing. 

Ok, now that you know what a fabulous influence you can be, what IS your advice? Please share liberally if you are so inclined. Let me know, too, if I may share your name or if you'd rather remain anonymous. Any input you have is greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch!

Happy weekend:)

Blessings,

Karen

Image credit: dimitri c http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1107725

Cross Training

                                                                                  Essays and Exercise

I'm writing lesson plans for the teen online writing classes I teach. This new session will cover how to write the essay. Not a popular topic with teens perhaps, but a good skill to learn whether college bound or not.

How does this relate to exercise? Well you see, it's part of my cross-training plan for writing.

My students are encouraged, through lessons and assignments, to stretch their writing muscles by trying different types of writing. Exposure to and the practice of different types of writing, I believe, is one key to growing as a writer.

How does this factor into the lessons? For the essay session, in addition to the standard assignment, I'll include exercises that provide a twist on writing the "serious essay". I might have them take the lesson's topic and put a humorous spin on it by having them write a paragraph that includes tall tale-like details. Or, we might try a Hemingway six word story, using the topic as a guide. The goal is to make students think, make it fun, and then have them write to stretch or cross train those muscles. Learning to write well is essential for good communication, but students can learn and be stretched in interesting and non-traditional ways.

And the point is...?

How does this relate to our writing? It reminded me that we need to engage in cross training exercises periodically in order to stretch and grow as writers. How? By dabbling in a different genre, doing a writing prompt or free writing, attending a conference, taking a writing course, or just taking time to play with words.

Have you done any cross training with your writing lately? What ideas do you have to stretch those writing muscles?

Speaking of Essays

So now that I've got you considering this cross training thing, here's a potential assignment. The 9th Annual Funds for Writers Essay Contest is looking for submissions. This year's theme is When Writing Made a Difference. There are two entry options, one with a $5 entry fee, and one with no entry fee. Prizes range from $300 to $20, depending on the entry choice. Deadline is October 31, 2010.

I entered the contest a few years ago, and while I didn't win, it was great practice for polishing and submitting a piece. Plus I still have the essay, and plan on submitting it somewhere eventually.

Don't forget to share those cross training ideas with us. Happy writing!

Blessings,
Karen
Photo credit:  pawel 231 http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1272846