This week has been a better writing week. Key to it was establishing a routine - drop kids at school, 20-30 minute walk, breakfast and shower, and then butt in chair to work. It doesn’t work every day but it’s definitely an improvement on where I was this time last week.
Currently obsessed with
🚶♀️Walking every day for at least 20 minutes. My body feels better for it and it helps me figure out writing problems too. Or I just listen to a good podcast which works too!
🎙️Speaking of podcasts, have you listened to Scamanda? It was made even more compelling for me since the events all happened local to where I live and it turns out I have a connection to one of the people who was interviewed. I couldn’t stop listening.
📚I love lyrical nonfiction and I re-read a favorite this week as a mentor text, The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made of by* Kirsten W. Larson and Katherine Roy. The parallel stories of the birth of a star and the life of Cecilia Payne is so cleverly done and the illustrations are beautiful.
Writing Tip of the Week
Stuck on what to write? Try this formula: Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.
This is from Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling via Kidlit411
Writing Prompt
Restrict yourself to writing a complete story in just 50 words (like Susanna Leonard Hill does in her regular writing contests).
News
If you’re looking for a new Halloween read for your kids or your classroom, take a look at Vicky Fang’s newest release: The Boo Crew Needs You*. It’s interactive, fun, and beautifully illustrated by Saoirse Lou.
Until next week, happy writing and reading. Let me know what you’re thinking about this week.
Christine
P.S. links marked with a * are affiliate and may earn me a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
That is a very neat writing tip! I took a screen shot, don't want to forget it! Thanks!
I was walking a lot this summer, but now that school has started back have slacked. I think a good 20 minute walk a day is something I should try to do again. It really is so relaxing.