Over the years, I've discovered that most writers typically enjoy the process of
generating ideas, but when it comes time to execute them, the work of being of writer tends to become a bit more burdensome. This is where new writers will often stall. Without support, some will even abandon their pieces in order to maintain the excitement that brainstorming generates and avoid the discomfort of drafting.
Studio mentors have helped me realize that focusing on organization can help young writers like these progress. Having a plan lowers levels of anxiety that are common at the start of the process and helps them move from one point in the text to another without becoming victims of writer's block. This helps them persevere.
During our September and October sessions, writers began testing a variety of strategies intended to help them organize their first drafts of the season. Many closely read, analyzed, and mapped various pieces of mentor text so that they could "write like" the well known authors that they hoped to emulate. Others began experimenting with story boards, which helped them order, sketch out, re-order, and begin adding detail to the most crucial parts of their stories. Our work with this element of craft will continue in our elementary program when we meet this weekend to transform our stories into puppet show scripts. Please remember to bring your puppets!
Secondary level writers and mentors will be working with Elyse Cinquino to draft an article about Studio that she would like to submit to NeXt. As you begin preparing yourself for this project, please consider the questions below. Elyse drafted them ahead of time and asked that I share with you. Thinking about your responses now will help you frame quality answers when she asks you these questions in person. A photographer will be on hand during our afternoon session to take group photos of everyone. I'm excited to see what transpires from your efforts! Thank you for thinking of us, Elyse. We're honored to be your subjects!
