This is available on the site:
http://www.writerswebworkshop.com/admin/files/writerswebworkshop-newsletter July 2010.pdf
Enjoy!
…and the first course in www.writerswebworkshop.com begins! (Writing for Children; Novel- Writing begins on July 19.) I’m very excited about this. It’ll build on what began with the previous workshop site. Summertime can be such a wonder-full time to begin such a path. It seems relaxed and rather lulls you into a sense of not really doing all that much…and before you know it, you’ve accomplished something; this is my experience of awakening with the sun, sitting alone, but with a cup of coffee and a pen out on the deck. Page after page, even just a couple each day…and then a thin pile, a bit thicker, another chapter, a story…ready for the [word omitted--see comments!] re-write of Fall.
Gotcha!
This is an article in the local paper, The Leader, yesterday…
www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/southdeltaleader/entertainment/96072354.html
My friend Amy sent this to me: http://vodpod.com/watch/3409792-bbc-news-world-news-america-why-do-finlands-schools-get-the-best-results
Amazing! Watch for the moment when the kids all head off on their own to X-country ski!
I so appreciate that they don’t start formalized learning until they’re seven. I wonder what are the numbers of prescriptions and LDs…
I’m thrilled–my new workshop site is up and running!
Thanks to Diane Askin at Netclimbers, a local Ladner website designer…she’s amazing.
Here we go! Writing for children, Advanced Novel, and Screenwriting with Amy Whitmore.
http://www.writerswebworkshop.com/
When it comes to writing for kids, this pic says it all–the best review…
In teaching, telling a story that asks a question, and doesn’t answer it, is good. And I’ve taken for granted that so is writing and story-telling. But it occurred to me to think that perhaps, sometimes, we struggle with stories that are responding to a question. I’ve thought–without really considering–that this can be a terrific way to begin the writing process: ponder a question you want answered, explore the answer. But what happens when we’re working with only the question as we write?
Sometimes, I’m writing and my story comes to an end long before I thought it would. And when that happens, I realize that I’m writing in response to a question, and not writing the question. The responding kills it.
Recently, I made an observation of homeschooled kids on a field trip. There was quite a group, mostly ages 9-12, at Fort Langley. (amazing docent, I must add, as an aside…because I’m partial to asides…) A number of these kids have never been in a classroom; some have; some know each other, and have for years; others–like my son–know a few faces from swimming classes, but that’s all. There was a point in the exploring of the Fort that it was necessary to line up to proceed through a doorway and on to the next building. Without talking about it, the kids lined up, single file, and crossed through and over. No big deal. Not for most people observing, perhaps. But for me, it staggered me, and my little world of elementary education.
I couldn’t help but think of the school classes I’ve been involved with these past two years, and the energies expended, the configurations, the reminders. And still, once the line is past the door, the single becomes double and treble across the hall, and oh the leaping to touch the overhead doorjamb, and the surreptitious poke at hallway artwork.
Right. I’m not going to respond to my question here. I’m going to think about it. Maybe at some point write about it. But there’s the question.
Now we’re past the first day of spring, and my thoughts go here 
…to hammocksville…my favourite summer place.
Where’s your favourite summer place?
Do you know that Canadians have an international reputation for NOT leaving comments on blogs?
Just thought I’d throw that at you… 
Wow. I’ve done it! I’ve learned something about iMovie, and I’ve made a trailer for my new novel, Molly’s Cue, out in May. 
I think this should be the new way to create those horrible “book reviews” we had to do as kids in school. I always loathed doing them; they ruined the reading experience for me. But thinking in terms of visuals/symbols, and linking them…now that might be fun!
The toughest part–but in many ways, most enjoyable–was finding images/photos that connected with the story and the characters. Then creating brief pieces of text. They say that you know whether or not a book can be turned into a decent film if you can make a visually-successful trailer.
Okay, here’s what I’m going to do: post the trailer here on my site and Youtube, and I’d like for you to view it, and list the ways that the pictures, the words, and any other elements connect with the book…which means you’ll read the book. The person who can come up with the most connections, I will send a signed copy. Anyone who makes a connection that I didn’t see myself–even if it’s the only connection they list–will also get a book! (So much of the writing process is sub- or un-conscious; sometimes the writer doesn’t recognize what seems obvious to the reader.)
My email is alison at alison acheson dot com. (Please do not post as a comment! A wise young fellow at Jarvis Elementary pointed out that if people DO post as a comment, then others can see the answers! So do send to my email…and I’ll post the winning answers!)
Let’s see what you can come up with!
The author would like to have gratefully acknowledged the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the British Columbia Council for the Arts in the writing of this story but, regretfully, is unable to do so, having been unsuccessful in her applications.
In spite of the lack of funding, she did pursue her artistic endeavours, if for no other reason than to vanquish their pursuit of her. She may have had to make some decisions; all decisions were made in an extremely competitive context. And all decisions were final.
(Hey! Can you spot the Council rejection phrases in the above…?)
