Young Writers

6:00 AM Elizabeth Seckman 23 Comments

  
This isn't the actual class. Or did you already guess that?
   
This week I had the pleasure of hanging out with my sister's creative writing class at Cameron High School. It was a reminder that the world is full of talented writers. Even the kids who only wrote because they were forced, by threat of a lowered grade, showed talent.

I believe it's human nature to be a story teller. Whether we are telling our truths, or making things up, we still use our words and our stories to not only express ourselves and communicate, but as a way of interconnecting humanity.

So, it's no wonder that everyone is gifted with talent.

But talent is hardly enough. Writing is hard work. Once you start laying out all the parts of a story- mechanics, setting, dialogue, characters...even the opening line and closing line of every chapter is its own headache...I often get blank stares. Perhaps some are thinking, Sure, sure...slap some words on a page and sell it for big bucks. Tell me how hard that is. But there is always one believes and asks, "Why would anyone want to be a writer?"

Insanity?

No. There really is only one reason. It's an addiction. Even when there is little money and loads of rejection, they stay in there. Plagued by words...stalked by characters...writers know it's not a matter of choice. Writing is just what they do.

And I'm certain there were more than a few sitting in that class who will one day say, "I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I've been told I suck, and few buy what I'm selling. But will I quit? Oh, hell no...I'm pretty sure the next story will be The One."

           
Thanks to our hosts LexaL.G, and Tonja Drecker for this weekly good things check in! I'm posting this early, since I won't be posting Friday. 

1. My boys will be home for a week!!!

2. Thanksgiving Day is coming!!!

3. It's Christmas tree getting season!!!               


photo credit: Grade School at Bartley Nebraska via photopin (license)

23 comments:

  1. That's cool you got to visit the class. Bet you inspired a few young writers.
    Good thing I have a music addiction that counters the writing one. Although that one doesn't pay either.
    You're going to have fun with your kids next week, aren't you?

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  2. It's brilliant you were able to talk to those kids. My only advice to anyone is even when you think something really sucks, someone else will see the potential :-)

    Christmas trees!!!! Nooooooo far too early!

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  3. HI, Elizabeth....

    So true about talent. Many are so gifted, but it's what we do with the gift is truly the tell tale...

    So happy you have good times coming your way with your family... nothing better during the holidays to spend it with the ones you love.

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  4. How nice to talk to those kids - I bet they are amazing. I consider writing an insanity and simply embrace it whole-heartedly.
    Christmas trees - ugh. We get ours next weekend and I don't know from where yet. *pfffff*
    Enjoy the next week!

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  5. Nice to seeing you giving back, too.

    Hope yall have a great Thanksgiving week.

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  6. Can't give up indeed, even if some think we suck lol agree with the addiction too.

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  7. Great post! You're so right about the difficulty and the incredible effort it takes to keep on going. Perhaps we're addicted to writing and to hope a bit too. Always thinking if we work hard enough we'll "make it." Hope springs eternal - that's my addiction! lol

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  8. There's a program here in Nashville that helps young people write. They wanted me to teach classes, but they didn't like the fact that I couldn't do it as a part-time job. I guess people think authors just sit around and write for an hour a week or something and books just pop out of us! I tell people I run my own freelance writing business but they never take it seriously. They always think, "Oh, you're a freelance writer. So you have lots of spare time, I'm sure."

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  9. Writing really is an addiction. No matter how hard it gets, I/we never stop writing.

    I love told spend time with young writers. I'd see myself in them. :)

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  10. I can't imagine not writing. I love meeting young writers who are passionate about the written word and releasing their thoughts, emotions, and creativity.

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  11. We spoke to a bunch of third graders once and noticed the same thing. I mean, chances are good that none of them would go on to become authors, but even so, they all had some really amazing stories.

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  12. I hadn't thought of it that way before but addiction is a great way to describe writing.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  13. WOW what a fantastic experience! It's lovely to meet young people that enjoy writing :)
    Suzy x
    www.suzyturner.com

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  14. So pleased you enjoyed your time with the kids. I love the way you have summed up why we write. In total agreement. I go to sleep thinking about writing and it is the first thing I think about when I wake up. And then there is all the dreaming in between. No matter how productive or unproductive, writing is always on our mind.

    Wishing you and the family a very happy Thanksgiving Elizabeth. Have lots of fun!

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  15. It's great to see young writers pursuing the passion! I hope most of them keep up with it.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  16. That's so cool that you got to visit a class and encourage young writers!
    And yes, writing is an addiction. :)

    Happy Thanksgiving and Family Time!

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  17. Hope Thanksgiving was great fun, Elizabeth. Enjoy the weekend!

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  18. Hope Thanksgiving was great fun, Elizabeth. Enjoy the weekend!

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  19. All my love Liz and bless you for hanging out with that class.

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  20. Sounds like you're having fun!
    There's nothing more satisfying than working with kids and seeing the progress...how their eyes light up in a moment of understanding...
    Writing is also a form of therapy. You never know how it may help a kid who struggles to express him/herself verbally...you just never know.

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