Ruth Ayres invites us the celebrate each week. Click over to her site Discover. Play. Build. to read more celebrations.
I have been reading many posts lately about writing. As a teacher/writer, those are the posts that resonate with me. But I started wondering, I mean, really, how much more can be written about writing? At some point, don’t we all just have to do it?
I enjoyed Pernille Ripp’s recent post I am Not a Writer- On Developing Student Writer Identity. She writes about how her own writing process informed what she knows about students and writing. In her list of things to keep in mind about student writers, she points out that “All writers are writers.” At first this statement sounds like “well, duh!” as my kids would say, but when you really think about it, how often do I make this claim? When I make myself tell someone I am a writer, I feel awkward. I make excuses. I rarely say it with any kind of confidence. What does it take to claim the writer in me? How do I encourage my students to claim their writer selves?
I follow the Two Writing Teachers blog. There are now eight writing teachers, and each one has a unique writer’s voice. They are currently running a blog series on “Discovering the Writer’s Life.” Deb Frazier wrote a post this week “So, Why Do I Write? Discovering the Writer’s Life.” She wrote “As a teacher who writes, I know the power of an active writing community.” This has always been true for me. I have sought out other writers. I have had a number of different writing groups. Each has led me, fed me, and nurtured my writing life.
Most recently, I joined three other teacher-writers from different areas of the states in a Voxer chat. I have to admit, at first, I was skeptical. I thought, “We’re just going to talk about writing? No writing?” I was so wrong. We talk every day. I have more than a writing group. I have a support group. We do share writing, thoughts about writing, and ideas for later projects. But we are also becoming close friends. Today I celebrate this group. We call ourselves “Four Friends Writing,” and that is exactly who we are for each other–friends.
Through this life of blogging, I have connected with some wonderful people. Laura Shovan has invited me to participate in a daily writing challenge for February. I think this is my third year to do it. Nothing like a challenge to make me write. And this one is poetry. I love writing poetry. So each day I take a look at the found object image, open up the note pad on my computer, and compose something. Other writers are doing it, too. It’s never too late to join. This is another community of supportive writers. As I write this, I realize I haven’t written a poem for today yet. Guess I need to follow my own advice and do. it.
Join the TWT’s Twitter chat on Feb. 8 at 8:30 EST. #TWTblog
Reflections on the Teche 
It feeds my soul as well. I am proud to be called your friend.
Do you ever wish for a new word? Friend just doesn’t seem to work here. Colleague is way too formal. Buddy is too informal. Soul mate, well, I kinda want that one to go to my husband. We need a new word!
Great post, Margaret!!! In response to your question, how about “kindred spirit”?!?! That’s how I feel!!!
How amazing it is to find friends via writing. “Kindred spirits” floating around the blogosphere connect. That’s big magic!
Big magic is finding kindred spirits – and I am grateful that we have!
It’s quite wonderful to hear about the Voxer group, and I’m glad that you four are finding it fun and rewarding, and supportive too. I enjoy everyone’s ideas about writing, think there’s not much better unless it’s reading someone else’s writing, like yours!
Thanks, Linda, and right back at ya’!
Kindred spirits feed the soul and nurture a sense of community. After one week of returning to yoga, I feel the urge to connect with you, Margaret on the deep relaxation and spirit of the studio. I hope your tailbone injury allows you to get back into the practice. thanks for reminding me about the poetry writing.
Humans are social animals. Mostly writing is a solitary task. How wonderful that you have found a way to meld the two together!
I fall in and out of writing. I just got an email reminding me of Slice of Life in March. It got me excited to have the encouragement to get back to daily writing. So glad you found a group that fits for you.
Yes slice of life is a great way to write daily. There is a kind welcoming community too.
Kindred spirits describes it perfectly! I’m so grateful to be part of the Two Writing Teachers community and the friendships I’ve made because of it.
Margaret,
I am so happy to know you have found your writing group. The events shared in my groups have stretched many life changing events and they have shaped who I am as a friend, mom, teacher, wife and of course as a result, a writer. I could not ( and would not) write without them.
This is a perfect celebration. Your post makes me smile. š
Celebrating the connections that your writing has brought you…so perfect! I was talking to Michelle the other day about this very thing. We are so lucky!