The Doggedness

 The Thirdlanders are starting to storyboard their social narrative stories.  Most people who teach in a writing workshop would probably think I'm too directive and or suggestive  with these young writers.  One Thirdlander has had to restart two times in the last two days.  Another Thirdlander started ripping up her post its after I made some comments about her story idea being a bit same old same old. I try to be tactful, but I stay true to my editor identity. When writing fiction for our press, the Thirdlanders need to make sure their books are surprising and original and can get readers talking about social issues.

This morning, a friend came to me and asked me about a writer she's working with.  I taught this kiddo and he was a hard sell on social justice writing, but he ended up writing a bestseller about gender stereotyping.  This week, he is writing about atomic farts.  She said, "You would say no to that, right?"

"Yeah, I would. He can go home and write about atomic farts all he wants.  He can hammer out pages of atomic fart comments in his writer's notebook if that's his thing. But when he's working on a publishing project for the classroom press, he needs to develop a theme that highlights a social justice issue."  Worrying that I was coming off as overly strident, I added "I know. I'm bossy."

She said, "I don't think you're bossy.  I think you help kids produce some truly amazing writing." So that was nice.  Even though the editor mindset isn't for everyone, I'm loyal and true to the Back and Forth of classroom publishing.  We've got a lot to do in the next month.  Rolling up sleeves and getting the job done in Room 200.