Thank you, Mrs. G’s Students and Fay School!

I had a great time learning and talking with 50 of Mrs. G’s 6th grade English students today at Fay School. Students, I loved learning about your Passion Projects and about what you value as writers and students. Some project highlights: a portal that brings the main character to another dimension where extinct animals live, an article about a murder, or a piece about what it was like to live in ancient Rome (probably smelly, but still pretty interesting!)

Some of your comments about your own writing were insightful as well. You shared with me that descriptive language is tough to come by, and I totally agree! It’s hard to find the middle ground where you describe enough but not TOO much. I’ve experienced both sides of this problem in my writing. Remember, put yourself in the story and try to think about what the characters are FEELING as they move through your world: that should help you figure out some ways to discover new ways to describe things. Also, endings are TOUGH and probably the most difficult part of any work, regardless of length. How do you wrap up a story nicely with a bow? Sometimes it may seem impossible, but remember that often the beginning of stories mimic the endings. Perhaps that can shine light on how to end your stories: mirror the beginning and leave the reader with a pleasant feeling. Otherwise, think of the story arc: you need to resolve the action somehow and leave the reader where they won’t ask TOO many questions. Keep that in mind, and best of luck with your endings!

Keep on building your worlds in your writing. Your teachers, parents, friends, readers, YOU, will appreciate your writing so much more if you do!

If you have any questions, you have my email or leave a message under the “Contact” tab. Best of luck with the rest of the year!