Be an Inspiration to a Young Writer
A
few months ago my daughter’s 2nd grade Teacher asked me if I would
be a guest speaker for her class to discuss writing and editing with her
students. I showed up with the book “Eats, Shoots, and Leaves” and we all sat
in a circle on the floor and read through some of it. After discussing the
importance of editing (in between giggling over the book’s examples), we moved
on to the topic of being/becoming a Writer. I showed them a few magazine
articles I’ve written and they thought it was cool that I had a by-line. I told
them that unlike other career choices, you don’t have to be a grown-up before
you can start. Anyone, any age, can be a Writer. Of all the things I talked to
them about that morning, THIS one was the topic that would not be dropped. They
were fascinated … they could be a Writer right now? Even though they’re only 8
years old? …Yep.
“The expert at anything was once a beginner.”
~Hayes
The
kids were more into it than I thought they’d be. Several of them shared with me
that they write, or like to read, etc., but there was one particular little boy
who asked me a dozen questions. The Teacher said, “That’s my little Harry
Potter reader right there.” He was a sponge, asking questions, sharing his love
for reading and writing. I left there hoping, praying, that I made some kind of
impact on the kids, this boy especially, because he so clearly has a love of
the art. (Maybe he’ll be famous one day and dedicate a book to “Mrs. Moody who
came to my 2nd grade class and told me I could be a Writer.”)
The
Principal (who stopped in to hang out for some of my visit) asked me if I’d
come back to guest speak to other classes. She said higher grade levels do
creative writing and she thought having me visit with them might boost
confidence and get the creative juices flowing. I happily agreed, not only
because I want to help, but because of a past experience…
When
I was in the 9th grade, my English Teacher told us we were going to
do a three week long poetry project. I was beyond thrilled. I had been writing
poetry, secretly, for a few years. After class I shared my secret with her, and
she asked if she could read my work. I had never shared my poems with anyone,
so this was a big deal for me that someone actually wanted to read my work. The
next day I brought my folder of poems to school and gave them to her. I had
zero confidence in myself back then, and I think I said something like,
“They’re not very good, but here they are.” I walked into class every day and waited
expectantly for her to give me some feedback. After two weeks I asked her about
them and she said she hadn’t had a chance to read them yet. The next day I
walked into class and saw my folder on her desk. I was excited and nervous to
hear what she thought of my poems. She called my name and when I got to her
desk she handed me my folder without saying anything. Working up all my
courage, I asked her if she liked them. She dismissively said, “Yeah, they’re
good.” I knew, without a doubt, that she was lying – she hadn’t read them, or
hadn’t read much. I was crushed.
Looking
back, I can see that she was probably just busy or distracted. I’m sure she has
no idea the impact she had on me. But it would be ten years before I shared a
poem with anyone again, when I wrote my Mom a poem for Mother’s Day. Even
though it was my mother, I was terrified to give it to her. She read it, hugged
me, and through tears said, “This is the best Mother’s Day gift I’ve ever
gotten.” That was a turning point in my writing confidence. (Thanks Mom.)
As
an Editor I am sometimes asked by Writer friends to read their work and give my
opinion. Some Writers are trying to break into the Editing field and ask for my
advice. I help everyone as much as I can—whether they’re asking for suggestions
on building up an editing business, or requesting pro-bono editing for their
seedling novel—if I can do it, I do it.
If
you’re a more seasoned Writer or Editor … contribute, inspire, encourage. Look
at a beginner as a potential comrade, not competition. The world of greatness
has plenty of room for all.
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your dreams.
Small people always do that, but the really great ones
make you feel that you too, can become great."
~Mark Twain
Be
a “great one” to a young writer. I promise you that one day that beautiful karma
will come floating right back to you.
Be
blessed, y’all.
Jen
