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Posts Tagged ‘storytelling’
Write. Design. Build. Film. Solve: W.O.R.D. Ink Camps at Curtis School, 7/14-8/15
Monday, May 5th, 2014Re-vision the Holidays with Giving Tuesday & littleBLUEPRINT.com
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013Guest post co-written by W.O.R.D. Ink team members, Jaya Mukherjee & Vanessa Ziff Lasdon
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I love the revision process because in writing and life, to revise our process can signify more about us than the art we create. The challenge we must pose to ourselves is to revisit something familiar with completely new eyes. Whether it’s an essay, a facet of our own identity, or our perspective on the world, if we approach revision with an open mind, the process can be an opportunity of discovery and exploration. I find this notion of revision to be particularly pertinent during the holiday season.
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PSSST! CoMe IN: Plot, Mood & Style (Part 2 of a 3-Part Series)
Sunday, November 10th, 2013
Guest post written by W.O.R.D. Ink team member, Gannon Daniels
My brief introduction of the first installment back in September considers how students don’t always know how to approach analysis of literature and often are not as familiar with the terms used by instructors when asked to write an essay about literature. The lesson I propose minimizes terms, empowers students, and creates a clear path to student-based discovery and learning.
Language Experience Approach: Engaging New & Reluctant Readers
Friday, September 27th, 2013
Guest post written by W.O.R.D. Ink team member, Dr. Susan Kawell
“Let’s start with my newest story,” suggests Tasha. “The second one I wrote.”
So I begin to read her story –-
“No, no, I’ll read it.” And she does – perfectly. Why?
Because it is her story, and Tasha is becoming a better reader by learning to read her own words. That’s what LEA does – LEA, Language Experience Approach, teaches young children or reluctant readers, whatever their age, to read.
Pssst! Come In: Opening the Door on the Elements of a Literary Essay (Part 1 of a 3-Part Series)
Wednesday, September 11th, 2013
Guest post written by W.O.R.D. Ink team member, Gannon Daniels
Writing about literature can be daunting, no matter what grade or skill level. Before writing begins, students need to have a general understanding of literary elements in order to feel confident when they encounter the language of fiction often found in literature essay prompts. Early in my teaching career, I shared a lengthy literary devices handout with my students. It covers everything from alliteration to leitmotif, and the author kindly uses color-coding to clarify which terms are “elements” of fiction and which are authorial “techniques.” I thought at the time I was doing my students a great favor by providing this comprehensive resource, but I was only causing more confusion. A case of “more is too much.”
Alice…in Widdershins
Tuesday, April 16th, 2013Widdershins. Isn’t that a great word? Means “counterclockwise energy” in Wicca tradition. I actually borrowed the word from an interesting 2010 lecture by poet, author and professor Cynthia Huntington, while at a VCFA alumni retreat. I collect weird words (wabi sabi is another favorite of mine. Means “perfection in imperfection” in Japanese), in case I ever decide to recycle them into new creations, such as for today’s post.
On Widdershins, and counterclockwise energy.
The kind of unusual, down-the-rabbit-hole energy required for…Revisions.
Mary Blair
Velveteen Rabbit Revisions: How to Bring Your Writing to Life (with a Whole Lot of Love!)
Tuesday, March 19th, 2013Have you ever tried to solve a What’s Wrong With This Picture dilemma? Where you stare at the image for an hour straight without seeing a darn thing, but when you walk away for a while and then take another look, the answer jumps right off the page?
Welcome to the Revision Process.
The Thrill of Suspense
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013
We’re all about the thrill of the chase for today’s quick WRITE post. (more…)
Six Word Memoirs
Tuesday, February 5th, 2013Today’s WRITE Post is dedicated to six-word memoirs, a reminder that an entire story lays hidden within a single sentence. (And a brief marvel at how the whole of our personal existence might fold neatly into six well-chosen words.)
“For sale: baby shoes, never used.” — Ernest Hemingway
10 Safe Outlets for All-Age Youth to Publish Writing Online and In Print
Tuesday, January 1st, 2013Hello, 2013! Year of the Snake! Let’s make this year a time of steady progress and attention to detail, of focus and discipline in achieving what we set out to create.
On The First Day of Christmas, Three Inspiring Links
Tuesday, December 25th, 2012Merry Christmas, word lovers! I feel so honored to share this special holiday with you! Today’s post is on DISCOVERIES, so please enjoy the following three Seeds and Sparks. May they inspire you and ignite your imagination! Share with family and be sure to curl up on your own to savor them, too. Remember: the holidays are also a time to be loving and joyful with yourself! You deserve it!
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Sweat the Small Stuff: Shape Voice with Sound and Syntax, Part 2
Monday, December 17th, 2012What is Voice? (Part 2)
In this 3-part revision series, we’ll debunk several mysteries behind the magical element within every great work of writing: Voice. It’s my hope that you’ll see Voice not as an elusive and unattainable ingredient, but rather, as a series of deliberate, layered choices made throughout the revision process, and as accessible to all who practice the craft–within every genre and for any purpose. May you walk away each week inspired to “Re-Vision” your writing with techniques that work!
Smartpens to Songwriting: 10 Supercool Gift Ideas for Kids & Teens
Tuesday, December 11th, 2012If you’re like me, the holiday season is somehow slipping from your grasp and your shopping days are limited. What’s more, you want to find just the right gift for each person on your list, although – let’s be honest – some are nearly impossible to please and you’re really trying to steer clear of the plastic gift card route.
In life, I’m big into intentionality, so when I gift, no matter what the age, I go for:
- Unique
- Practical
- Aesthetic
- Budget-friendly
- Lovingly made or expertly crafted
Check out the following 10 supercool hi-tech-meets-lo-tech gift ideas for kids and teens that I’ve personally sized up. Each is sure to make everyone’s spirits merry and bright!
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Proof in the Figgy Pudding: Holiday Writing Inspiration
Tuesday, December 4th, 2012
Amidst sensory overload, the holidays provide valuable details for authentic storytelling. Have a journal handy, because proof of holiday writing inspiration is in the Figgy Pudding!
SparkTruck: Sparking a Creative Movement Across the Nation
Tuesday, November 27th, 2012
In our gloom-and-doom era of deep, nationwide budget cuts to education, creativity is on the chopping block and hands-on learning is a luxury that many schools claim they can’t afford. SparkTruck to the rescue! This self-proclaimed “educational build-mobile” is on a mission to bring creative and purposeful crafting to students around the nation.
Please, Sweat the Small Stuff: Shape Voice with Sound & Syntax
Tuesday, November 20th, 2012What is Voice?
In this 3-part revision series, we’ll debunk several mysteries behind the magical element within every great work of writing: Voice. It’s my hope that you’ll see Voice not as an elusive and unattainable ingredient, but rather, as a series of deliberate, layered choices made throughout the revision process, and as accessible to all who practice the craft–within every genre and for any purpose. May you walk away each week inspired to “Re-Vision” your writing with techniques that work!
