In front of the John Lennon Wall in Prague.




Tuesday, March 15, 2016

SOL 2016 Day 15: Sometimes Writing Time Turns into Reading Time


Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life March Challenge 2016
This March, more than 300 teachers have committed to daily writing. If you’d like to read more “slices” (from other teachers and even students), visit: twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/challenges.

There are days when the 5:40 a.m. alarm seems crueler than other times. On those days, when I sit down to write, I can tell right away that I won't get much writing out of my sleepy brain. Today was one of those days.

When this happens, I know what to do: read. I have a pile of poetry books next to my chair. All I have to do is choose one, and then spend a half hour immersed in words, even if they aren't my own. 

Today I chose a literary journal I received in the mail a few weeks ago. I hadn't made time to read it, but this morning was the right time. Reading poems by several different poets kept me on my toes, having to pay attention to diverse voices and styles. 

By the time I was done, I was wide awake. And I had an idea for a new poem of my own. Yes, sometimes writers just need to read.




10 comments:

  1. Absolutely!!! Writers have to read and teachers have to read. Thank you for repointing us all in this simple direction.

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  2. I'm impressed...if I tried to pull out anything to read at 5:40am, I'm pretty sure I'd be asleep in 30 seconds! I think my brain must work the opposite of yours. I think I would stay awake much easier writing that earlier than reading. Then again, I don't really want to try to do either that early ;)

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    1. Everyone has to find the right way for them to work.

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  3. So true. I love that you took the time to do what you know is best for your writing life. I love the image of a chair surrounded by poetry books too...sounds like heaven.

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    1. It is heaven -- only not early in the morning sometimes!

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  4. I can't imagine being up so early in the morning to write...or read! This really is a great reminder for us as writers though...and a great reminder for us to bring to writing in the classroom. I'm slowly realizing how much "demand" I've always had in my writing instruction...Maybe it would have been more productive to allow my students this freedom you allowed yourself!

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    1. Thank you. I gave me ideas for how to help some students who are having trouble developing their writing. I need to have them read others' work. I forget that as well. And by the way, I HATE getting up that early, but it's the only time I have that I can concentrate on my own writing.

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  5. If I'm not careful, I spend my writing time reading posts and commenting. I love your comfy chair and the poetry books nearby. Just wondering if you've ever considered joining the Poetry Friday group. Linda, Tara, and many other slicers meet up on Fridays to share poetry. Sometimes I'm there too.

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    1. I have to be careful as well! Thanks, I also love my comfy chair. I'll check out the Poetry Friday group. I appreciate the suggestion. I didn't know it existed.

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