Teacher as a Writer: An Overview
When I ordered my books for the Ohio Writing Project four week course, I was terrified when Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir by Natalie Goldberg showed up at my door. What? They expect me to write and to write at a professional level? But I teach Kindergarten! Putting all my fears aside, I joined in on the Zoom call on June 15th. I was completely in the hands of our strong and capable cohort leaders. I was full of hopes and dreams and still, moderately petrified.
While reading and working through Goldberg's book and exerts from Georgia Heard's Writing Toward Home, I found so many stories that I wanted to share. Things I had always wanted to write down, but never took the time. Things that I didn't even remember until these authors shared their stories.
Over four weeks, I watched myself grow as a writer. I studied text and applied techniques to my own writing. I helped others define their work by giving it voice and style. I revised my own work while keeping my audience in mind. I wrote and I wrote until my hand ached. I shook it out and picked up that pen again. (Literally, I'm on pen number 5. I have drained 4 pens in this course.) I put myself out their and read my writing to complete strangers. I shared stories about my life that I haven't been able to share with my family.
Most importantly, I took who I am and I looked at the events that shaped me. This background has made me timid and fearful of sharing with others. I'm so full of doubt most of the time, that I quietly do my own thing instead of sharing amazing opportunities. Through my reflections in this course, I found my voice again. It reminded me of what I wanted to be. I want to be an advocate for others in need. I want to be an ally to defend what is right. I want to empower others to fight for change. Thank you for this opportunity. I will not waste it.
Suggested Order of Reading
Write, review, revise, write, repeat Part 1
Write, review, revise, write, repeat Part 2
Things I tried and may not have been good at, but I really enjoyed doing them.
Writing's Favorite Hiding Spot
Bibliography
Goldberg, Natalie. Old Friend from Far Away: the Practice of Writing Memoir. Atria Paperback, 2013.
Heard, Georgia. Writing toward Home: Tales and Lessons to Find Your Way. Heinemann, 1995.