Judy Lindquist's Blog, page 4
January 24, 2021
Literacy Week
This week is Literacy Week. A week that “takes place annually to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.”
That is a mouthful. I like to just think of it as a week to celebrate books! The books we love. The books that have helped to define us. The books that stay with us long after we read them.
As a reader, I love to talk about books with other readers. Whether in a formal setting like a Book Club, or more relaxed setting like an on-line group. I love sharing my thoughts about the books I am reading and I love hearing others’ thoughts and recommendations.
As an educator, I love helping my students discover books and authors. Helping that reluctant reader find just the book that he/she will not be able to put down. Scrounging up the next book in that series that a student is feverishly reading. Introducing a student to a book I just know they will love.
As a writer, I love to examine the books that have impacted me and think about why they have resonated so deeply with me. Uncovering the secrets of those writers.
The books that immediately come to mind are:
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- The Great Gatsby
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The reasons these books spoke to me?
- They were populated by characters who were likable, (or dislikable), flawed, and realistic. I could imagine knowing them. They were multi-faceted, complex, and real in a tangible way.
- Each book had a palatable sense of place and time. I was transported. While reading these books, I existed within the setting the author created.
- The stories each had themes that addressed our humanity, and at times, our lack-of humanity. I learned something about my own values when reading these books.
Every loved book is different for each person who loves it. That is the power of books!
Happy Literacy Week Everyone!
That is a mouthful. I like to just think of it as a week to celebrate books! The books we love. The books that have helped to define us. The books that stay with us long after we read them.
As a reader, I love to talk about books with other readers. Whether in a formal setting like a Book Club, or more relaxed setting like an on-line group. I love sharing my thoughts about the books I am reading and I love hearing others’ thoughts and recommendations.
As an educator, I love helping my students discover books and authors. Helping that reluctant reader find just the book that he/she will not be able to put down. Scrounging up the next book in that series that a student is feverishly reading. Introducing a student to a book I just know they will love.
As a writer, I love to examine the books that have impacted me and think about why they have resonated so deeply with me. Uncovering the secrets of those writers.
The books that immediately come to mind are:
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- The Great Gatsby
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The reasons these books spoke to me?
- They were populated by characters who were likable, (or dislikable), flawed, and realistic. I could imagine knowing them. They were multi-faceted, complex, and real in a tangible way.
- Each book had a palatable sense of place and time. I was transported. While reading these books, I existed within the setting the author created.
- The stories each had themes that addressed our humanity, and at times, our lack-of humanity. I learned something about my own values when reading these books.
Every loved book is different for each person who loves it. That is the power of books!
Happy Literacy Week Everyone!
January 17, 2021
Peace and Happiness
The start of a New Year is always filled with setting goals, making plans, and listing resolutions. Looking ahead with optimism and aiming for achievement. What accomplishments do we want to reach? What successes? Whether it is related to our personal lives or our careers, ambition is the driving force.
While this is a critical component to satisfaction, I am wondering if after the year we have all had, and the way this year has started, perhaps we need to adjust our focus. After the stress, crisis, and chaos of 2020 and the first few weeks of 2021, perhaps we all need to aim for peace and happiness in 2021.
The good news is that there are so many small things we can do to get us closer to this goal. There is also an abundance of research and information out there on happiness and satisfaction. Some of my favorite resources are:
- The book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- The book Thrive by Arianna Huffington
- Habits of Incredibly Happy People from forbes.com
- Powerofpositivity.com
- The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
But one of my favorites is a quick list of things to do every day from happify.com:
1) Savor
Whether you call this mindfulness or being present, there is truth to the fact that so many of us go through the motions of our day and miss out on the small and fulfilling experiences that fill our lives. That first sip of a steaming, perfectly made cup of coffee in the morning. The smell of freshly cut grass. The way the sunlight streams through a window. If we look, our lives are filled with these mundane yet miraculous moments. Research says if we take a moment to savor them, our joy increases and stress decreases.
2) Thank
There are so many opportunities each day we all have to thank someone for something they did. A stranger who held the door open, or the delivery person bringing our latest on-line order. A genuine thank you will not only uplift them, but us as well. And even in the midst of a crisis, there is usually something we can find for which we can be thankful. It is that silver-lining in a seemingly negative situation. A sink full of dirty dishes? My family had food to eat. Not being able to visit a loved one? I am keeping them safe. Training ourselves to notice the good, as well as to be aware of the tiny kindnesses done each day by others, shifts our perspective.
3) Aspire
Simply put- what is your wish for the day? Start the day out by choosing one thing to which you aspire that day. One thing. Make it simple and make it related to your joy and happiness. Nothing related to your work or what you want to accomplish. Simply an aspiration. To smile more. To take some quiet time with your child. To listen. Once we have that aspiration set, we have a focus and are more likely to do that small thing which can bring us joy.
4) Give
What can you do today for someone else? How can you make a positive contribution? It could be small like picking up trash on the sidewalk during your morning walk. Or maybe something more directed, like picking up your housebound neighbor’s groceries. Or maybe just giving someone a few moments of your time to really listen to them when they need it.
5) Empathize
Looking at others with grace, kindness, and understanding. Realizing that most people are doing the best they can with what life has given them. Being less judgmental is extremely powerful.
Wishing everyone peace and happiness!
While this is a critical component to satisfaction, I am wondering if after the year we have all had, and the way this year has started, perhaps we need to adjust our focus. After the stress, crisis, and chaos of 2020 and the first few weeks of 2021, perhaps we all need to aim for peace and happiness in 2021.
The good news is that there are so many small things we can do to get us closer to this goal. There is also an abundance of research and information out there on happiness and satisfaction. Some of my favorite resources are:
- The book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- The book Thrive by Arianna Huffington
- Habits of Incredibly Happy People from forbes.com
- Powerofpositivity.com
- The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
But one of my favorites is a quick list of things to do every day from happify.com:
1) Savor
Whether you call this mindfulness or being present, there is truth to the fact that so many of us go through the motions of our day and miss out on the small and fulfilling experiences that fill our lives. That first sip of a steaming, perfectly made cup of coffee in the morning. The smell of freshly cut grass. The way the sunlight streams through a window. If we look, our lives are filled with these mundane yet miraculous moments. Research says if we take a moment to savor them, our joy increases and stress decreases.
2) Thank
There are so many opportunities each day we all have to thank someone for something they did. A stranger who held the door open, or the delivery person bringing our latest on-line order. A genuine thank you will not only uplift them, but us as well. And even in the midst of a crisis, there is usually something we can find for which we can be thankful. It is that silver-lining in a seemingly negative situation. A sink full of dirty dishes? My family had food to eat. Not being able to visit a loved one? I am keeping them safe. Training ourselves to notice the good, as well as to be aware of the tiny kindnesses done each day by others, shifts our perspective.
3) Aspire
Simply put- what is your wish for the day? Start the day out by choosing one thing to which you aspire that day. One thing. Make it simple and make it related to your joy and happiness. Nothing related to your work or what you want to accomplish. Simply an aspiration. To smile more. To take some quiet time with your child. To listen. Once we have that aspiration set, we have a focus and are more likely to do that small thing which can bring us joy.
4) Give
What can you do today for someone else? How can you make a positive contribution? It could be small like picking up trash on the sidewalk during your morning walk. Or maybe something more directed, like picking up your housebound neighbor’s groceries. Or maybe just giving someone a few moments of your time to really listen to them when they need it.
5) Empathize
Looking at others with grace, kindness, and understanding. Realizing that most people are doing the best they can with what life has given them. Being less judgmental is extremely powerful.
Wishing everyone peace and happiness!
January 10, 2021
The Power of Hand Writing
The pen is mightier than the sword. I would hypothesize that it is mightier than the keyboard as well!
With the surge in our reliance on technology for everything from our jobs to our connections to others, keyboards have made our time actually holding a pen or pencil almost non-existent. And while there are definite benefits to these types of tools and technologies, there is a growing body of research that supports the importance of hand writing.
Picking up that pen or pencil and actually jotting things down on paper has benefits. Neurological, intellectual, and creative benefits.
In a nutshell, what the research says about hand-writing is: (https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/a... )
- Hand-writing is linked to Literacy
- Hand-writing enhances learning
- Hand-writing improves writing composition
- Hand-writing boosts academic success
As a teacher, I find them all important. However, as a writer, I find the fact that it improves composition fascinating.
I have always written my first drafts in a three-ring binder, by hand. Not because of any research I had read or any pedagogy I might hold, but simply because it worked better for me. My main reasons for continuing with this are:
- It is easily transportable. This is because I will often write in small chunks of time in many different places. The car, the coffee shop, my classroom. A binder can be tossed into my bag and I always have it handy. I also like the ability to be able to easily write in different locations, as I sometimes find that helpful in creating a sense of place in my work.
- It is easy to organize my research and outlines and have them easily referable (in the binder) as I write. It is easy to have character backstories, timelines, and other details and information handy every time I want to draft a bit. Even if these things are also stored digitally, I can often get to what I want quicker in a binder than in opening files and folders on the computer.
- It is easier to ignore mistakes when hand-writing. This sounds crazy, but because hand-writing is messy (crossing out, arrows to move passages, question marks or gaps, etc) it is easier to keep the flow of the writing. When typing, programs will point out or underline misspelled words or improper grammar and I feel the need to stop and fix it. I DO NOT want to do that when composing the first draft. The first draft is simply to get the story out.
- Binders do not rely on electricity, the internet, hot spots, the cloud, or any other technological marvels to be able to use them. That makes them reliable. I can count on being able to work any time, any where.
This is not to say that I think we should throw out our keyboards and embrace hand writing for everything. I do not. Once my first drafts are done, everything moves to digital formats. The second drafts, the revisions, the submissions- these are all in digital formats.
While there are many, many successful writers who rarely pick up a pen or pencil anymore, for many of us, if the research is to be believed, hand writing some things should be a routine part of our lives. It can feed and nurture our creative souls. So hand write those thank you notes, some letters, and those journal entries, even if you do everything else on your computer!
With the surge in our reliance on technology for everything from our jobs to our connections to others, keyboards have made our time actually holding a pen or pencil almost non-existent. And while there are definite benefits to these types of tools and technologies, there is a growing body of research that supports the importance of hand writing.
Picking up that pen or pencil and actually jotting things down on paper has benefits. Neurological, intellectual, and creative benefits.
In a nutshell, what the research says about hand-writing is: (https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/a... )
- Hand-writing is linked to Literacy
- Hand-writing enhances learning
- Hand-writing improves writing composition
- Hand-writing boosts academic success
As a teacher, I find them all important. However, as a writer, I find the fact that it improves composition fascinating.
I have always written my first drafts in a three-ring binder, by hand. Not because of any research I had read or any pedagogy I might hold, but simply because it worked better for me. My main reasons for continuing with this are:
- It is easily transportable. This is because I will often write in small chunks of time in many different places. The car, the coffee shop, my classroom. A binder can be tossed into my bag and I always have it handy. I also like the ability to be able to easily write in different locations, as I sometimes find that helpful in creating a sense of place in my work.
- It is easy to organize my research and outlines and have them easily referable (in the binder) as I write. It is easy to have character backstories, timelines, and other details and information handy every time I want to draft a bit. Even if these things are also stored digitally, I can often get to what I want quicker in a binder than in opening files and folders on the computer.
- It is easier to ignore mistakes when hand-writing. This sounds crazy, but because hand-writing is messy (crossing out, arrows to move passages, question marks or gaps, etc) it is easier to keep the flow of the writing. When typing, programs will point out or underline misspelled words or improper grammar and I feel the need to stop and fix it. I DO NOT want to do that when composing the first draft. The first draft is simply to get the story out.
- Binders do not rely on electricity, the internet, hot spots, the cloud, or any other technological marvels to be able to use them. That makes them reliable. I can count on being able to work any time, any where.
This is not to say that I think we should throw out our keyboards and embrace hand writing for everything. I do not. Once my first drafts are done, everything moves to digital formats. The second drafts, the revisions, the submissions- these are all in digital formats.
While there are many, many successful writers who rarely pick up a pen or pencil anymore, for many of us, if the research is to be believed, hand writing some things should be a routine part of our lives. It can feed and nurture our creative souls. So hand write those thank you notes, some letters, and those journal entries, even if you do everything else on your computer!
January 3, 2021
My Wishes for 2021
Usually I start out the New Year with a grand plan. A set of goals in each of the areas of my life, with a road map of how I plan to reach the goals. Broken down by quarters and months, I have all the tasks and activities I will need to do in order to find success planned out. I am outcome focused.
This year is different.
Yes, I still have my goals and plans written out and ready to go, but somehow they do not seem as important as in year’s past. Instead, I have wishes – not for me, but for all of us. My friends, family, community, and the world-at-large.
My wishes:
- That we understand the importance of considering the Common Good, not just our individual wants and needs. Historically, when any major challenge, obstacle, or crisis was overcome, it was managed when everyone pulled together and thought of the community, not just themselves.
- That we really listen to others. That we not only hear their words, but understand the motivation or needs behind the words. That we acknowledge that we do not all have to agree on everything in order to work and live in peace. And that finding common ground is not as hard as some would have us believe.
- That we realize that our experience is not everyone’s experience. That we understand that there are people in this great country who do not have the same experiences or opportunities that are afforded to others. And that acknowledging this is the first step in working toward a more just and fair society.
- That we treat others with grace and kindness. That we do not judge others and make assumptions when we might not know the entire story or understand the situation.
Wishing everyone a year filled with peace, joy, and good health.
This year is different.
Yes, I still have my goals and plans written out and ready to go, but somehow they do not seem as important as in year’s past. Instead, I have wishes – not for me, but for all of us. My friends, family, community, and the world-at-large.
My wishes:
- That we understand the importance of considering the Common Good, not just our individual wants and needs. Historically, when any major challenge, obstacle, or crisis was overcome, it was managed when everyone pulled together and thought of the community, not just themselves.
- That we really listen to others. That we not only hear their words, but understand the motivation or needs behind the words. That we acknowledge that we do not all have to agree on everything in order to work and live in peace. And that finding common ground is not as hard as some would have us believe.
- That we realize that our experience is not everyone’s experience. That we understand that there are people in this great country who do not have the same experiences or opportunities that are afforded to others. And that acknowledging this is the first step in working toward a more just and fair society.
- That we treat others with grace and kindness. That we do not judge others and make assumptions when we might not know the entire story or understand the situation.
Wishing everyone a year filled with peace, joy, and good health.
December 27, 2020
Dec 27, 2020: A Different Kind of Christmas
I am someone who absolutely adores holidays and family traditions. I mark the days each month when I will decorate for that particular season, month, or holiday. I love the predictability of traditions and routines. Of all the holidays, Christmas is the one most steeped in these family rituals. There is something so comforting about the repetition of beloved habits and beliefs.
But 2020 was definitely a different kind of Christmas.
There were so many of our family traditions that were made impossible because of the pandemic. We did not attend the Nutcracker Ballet, a tradition that started when I was a child and my parents brought my sisters and me to see it live in New York City for the first time. The tradition continued with my own daughter and now her daughter. This year, we did not get to dress up, go out to lunch, and then attend the ballet.
We did not attend the Festival of the Trees, where Ellie could visit Santa and make crafts while we enjoyed the spectacularly decorated trees. There was no Light Up UCF, where we drank hot cocoa and rode the Ferris wheel, and this year there was no Winter Festival with face painting and snowball fights.
Jeff and I love to entertain year round, but Christmas time is when we pull out all the stops and host great gatherings. Typically, between Thanksgiving and the New Year, we will host one or two huge parties of 50-75 people, and then a couple smaller parties of family and friends. This year, the house was decked out in her finery for a much, much smaller audience.
Since becoming grandparents over 8 years ago, we have also become part of our daughter’s family’s traditions. We often sleep over at their house on Christmas Eve so we can be there first thing in the morning to watch our granddaughters open their presents. Then we would hang out for the day, while she hosted both sides of the family for dinner. 20-25 people popping in and out all afternoon, while we all exchanged gifts and enjoyed each other’s company. This year, there was none of that.
We did get to see some of our loved ones. In smaller gatherings spread out over a longer period of time. And for that I am grateful. For I know that there are families who have given up so much more than traditions and rituals. They have loved ones missing who will never come back. As I write this, the death toll from Covid19 in America is now over 304,000. Let that number sink in. Each of those souls left behind friends and family who are experiencing the first Christmas season without their loved one. That is a very painful place to be. It is heart wrenching to think of the loss to these families, communities, and our nation. And for many of these families, they must grieve in isolation.
Sending virtual hugs to everyone celebrating a different kind of Christmas this year.
But 2020 was definitely a different kind of Christmas.
There were so many of our family traditions that were made impossible because of the pandemic. We did not attend the Nutcracker Ballet, a tradition that started when I was a child and my parents brought my sisters and me to see it live in New York City for the first time. The tradition continued with my own daughter and now her daughter. This year, we did not get to dress up, go out to lunch, and then attend the ballet.
We did not attend the Festival of the Trees, where Ellie could visit Santa and make crafts while we enjoyed the spectacularly decorated trees. There was no Light Up UCF, where we drank hot cocoa and rode the Ferris wheel, and this year there was no Winter Festival with face painting and snowball fights.
Jeff and I love to entertain year round, but Christmas time is when we pull out all the stops and host great gatherings. Typically, between Thanksgiving and the New Year, we will host one or two huge parties of 50-75 people, and then a couple smaller parties of family and friends. This year, the house was decked out in her finery for a much, much smaller audience.
Since becoming grandparents over 8 years ago, we have also become part of our daughter’s family’s traditions. We often sleep over at their house on Christmas Eve so we can be there first thing in the morning to watch our granddaughters open their presents. Then we would hang out for the day, while she hosted both sides of the family for dinner. 20-25 people popping in and out all afternoon, while we all exchanged gifts and enjoyed each other’s company. This year, there was none of that.
We did get to see some of our loved ones. In smaller gatherings spread out over a longer period of time. And for that I am grateful. For I know that there are families who have given up so much more than traditions and rituals. They have loved ones missing who will never come back. As I write this, the death toll from Covid19 in America is now over 304,000. Let that number sink in. Each of those souls left behind friends and family who are experiencing the first Christmas season without their loved one. That is a very painful place to be. It is heart wrenching to think of the loss to these families, communities, and our nation. And for many of these families, they must grieve in isolation.
Sending virtual hugs to everyone celebrating a different kind of Christmas this year.
December 13, 2020
Dec. 13, 2020: Royal Dragonfly Book Awards
Earlier this month the 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award winners were announced. I was thrilled to learn that Flower Power was awarded second place in the Chapter Book division.
As writers, telling the story is central to what we do. For me, the idea usually starts as a seed planted by some experience I have had as a teacher, mother, or grandmother. I spend my days surrounded by children and therefore, I live in a world of inspiration. The seeds fill my head and soul. Some lie there and never sprout. Others do.
Once the sprouting seed takes hold, the story takes on a life of its own and must be told. I am simply the gardener, watering and fertilizing the seedling. Making sure to pull out any weeds in the way. Making sure it gets the attention it needs to grow.
While telling the story and connecting with readers is the ultimate goal, I must admit that winning awards is pretty darn exciting! It is a validation of the work. It is a celebration of the story. It is an avenue to connect with even more readers.
Prior to becoming a published author, I would see the shiny seals indicating a book was an award winner on the cover and think, That’s nice. Now, I realize everything that goes into earning those little seals.
So CHEERS to all the writers and authors everywhere who have won awards in 2020!!! Well done!
As writers, telling the story is central to what we do. For me, the idea usually starts as a seed planted by some experience I have had as a teacher, mother, or grandmother. I spend my days surrounded by children and therefore, I live in a world of inspiration. The seeds fill my head and soul. Some lie there and never sprout. Others do.
Once the sprouting seed takes hold, the story takes on a life of its own and must be told. I am simply the gardener, watering and fertilizing the seedling. Making sure to pull out any weeds in the way. Making sure it gets the attention it needs to grow.
While telling the story and connecting with readers is the ultimate goal, I must admit that winning awards is pretty darn exciting! It is a validation of the work. It is a celebration of the story. It is an avenue to connect with even more readers.
Prior to becoming a published author, I would see the shiny seals indicating a book was an award winner on the cover and think, That’s nice. Now, I realize everything that goes into earning those little seals.
So CHEERS to all the writers and authors everywhere who have won awards in 2020!!! Well done!
November 29, 2020
Nov. 29, 2020: Giving Thanks for the Gifts of 2020
2020. The year that seems to go on forever, gave us a worldwide pandemic, civil unrest, natural disasters, and near economic collapse. While most people are eager to get 2020 in the rearview mirror and embrace 2021 with hope and optimism, I would like to point out that there are often silver linings in these crisis that can help us as we move forward.
Like so many of you, as I was celebrating Thanksgiving this week, I was reflecting on the blessings in my life. While 2020 has clearly not been a blessing, I do want to thank this year for the following:
- The amount of civic engagement in our nation is at an all-time high. Just look at this month’s voter turnout numbers. Yes- much of this was created by chaotic and divisive politics, but I chose to focus on the fact that people now know their vote matters! This will only help us moving forward as a nation.
- We know that teachers and schools matter. Even as the debate rages on about whether students should be physically in school or logging in virtually, everyone agrees that public education is vital to our communities, families, and nation. Yes- right now public education is in a state of crisis, but that means that our attention is on it. Hopefully that will translate into supporting public education with funding and resources.
- We’ve discovered there really is No Place Like Home. As the world shut down just a few months into this year, we retreated into our homes. We isolated, quarantined, and our social circles shrank. Yes- many of the things that were purged from our calendars we miss and look forward to doing again, but this gave us time to nest. We baked bread, planted gardens, built bookshelves. We read, wrote, listened to music. We worked from home when we could and invested our time and energy in making our homes fit our needs. Even when this pandemic is a thing of the past, this strengthened sense of home will serve us well.
- The underlying systemic racism in our nation has been uncovered. For Americans of color, this is nothing new, but for much of white America, we never fully understood the magnitude or horror of the kinds of obstacles, hostility, and violence that our black friends and family dealt with every single day. Our own experiences informed our beliefs. Yes- it is painful to realize that our wonderful country is not living up to its promise, but recognizing and admitting that something exists is the first step to addressing it. It is always darkest before the light. Perhaps we are on the brink of truly living up to our ideals.
- Our technology tools have allowed us to connect in ways unimagined a few years ago. As people worked from home, met virtually, and gathered on-line, we realized that connecting with others, even in the midst of a pandemic, is essential. Yes- traditional gatherings and celebrations became high risk situations for our most vulnerable, but we figured out ways to recognize milestones and accomplishments from a distance.
While there is much of 2020 that should fade into oblivion, there are also many lessons and gifts it bestowed on us. For that, I am Thankful.
Like so many of you, as I was celebrating Thanksgiving this week, I was reflecting on the blessings in my life. While 2020 has clearly not been a blessing, I do want to thank this year for the following:
- The amount of civic engagement in our nation is at an all-time high. Just look at this month’s voter turnout numbers. Yes- much of this was created by chaotic and divisive politics, but I chose to focus on the fact that people now know their vote matters! This will only help us moving forward as a nation.
- We know that teachers and schools matter. Even as the debate rages on about whether students should be physically in school or logging in virtually, everyone agrees that public education is vital to our communities, families, and nation. Yes- right now public education is in a state of crisis, but that means that our attention is on it. Hopefully that will translate into supporting public education with funding and resources.
- We’ve discovered there really is No Place Like Home. As the world shut down just a few months into this year, we retreated into our homes. We isolated, quarantined, and our social circles shrank. Yes- many of the things that were purged from our calendars we miss and look forward to doing again, but this gave us time to nest. We baked bread, planted gardens, built bookshelves. We read, wrote, listened to music. We worked from home when we could and invested our time and energy in making our homes fit our needs. Even when this pandemic is a thing of the past, this strengthened sense of home will serve us well.
- The underlying systemic racism in our nation has been uncovered. For Americans of color, this is nothing new, but for much of white America, we never fully understood the magnitude or horror of the kinds of obstacles, hostility, and violence that our black friends and family dealt with every single day. Our own experiences informed our beliefs. Yes- it is painful to realize that our wonderful country is not living up to its promise, but recognizing and admitting that something exists is the first step to addressing it. It is always darkest before the light. Perhaps we are on the brink of truly living up to our ideals.
- Our technology tools have allowed us to connect in ways unimagined a few years ago. As people worked from home, met virtually, and gathered on-line, we realized that connecting with others, even in the midst of a pandemic, is essential. Yes- traditional gatherings and celebrations became high risk situations for our most vulnerable, but we figured out ways to recognize milestones and accomplishments from a distance.
While there is much of 2020 that should fade into oblivion, there are also many lessons and gifts it bestowed on us. For that, I am Thankful.
November 22, 2020
Conflicting Critiques- Now What?
For writers everywhere, critiques are a valuable and essential part of revising and reworking our writing. Critiques can identify weaknesses, uncover gaps, and point out errors. Critiquers are the new eyes on our work. They may be fellow writers, beta readers, historical experts, or contest judges. They provide the essential feedback we need to bring our writing to the next level.
But what if you get conflicting critiques? Feedback on the same piece of writing that is in opposition to each other?
Too much dialogue. Not enough dialogue.
Scene too far-fetched. Scene is too bland and ordinary.
As a writer, is it essential that we remember that writing is subjective. At least reacting to writing is subjective. There is no way around it. As much as editors, agents, experts, beta readers, and critique partners try to be unbiased, it is not entirely possible. Every reader brings their own experiences and perspectives to your writing. That is part of what is so exciting about the author/reader relationship.
So how should you handle conflicting critiques?
First, do not discount them. Take a cold, hard look at them both. And do not simply shrug off the one that is the most troubling or critical. Actually, that is the one you should look at the closest. Are there any explanations that help to clarify what the issue is? Is this the first time you have heard this particular criticism? Or is this part of a pattern?
I have a current unpublished manuscript that was a recent semi-finalist in a writing contest. In reviewing the judges’ feedback, two scored it exceptionally high, while the third one was significantly lower. As I get ready to do another round of revisions, that judge’s critique will be the one I start with and spend the most time analyzing.
Second, consider the source of the critiques. If you have two conflicting pieces of advice, what is the background of each of the readers? The expertise of the critiquer must be taken into account. If I had two conflicting pieces of advice and one came from a reputable literary agent and another from an unpublished writing friend, I know which I would consider first.
Lastly, think about how the advice of each would impact your story. This is taking a step back and looking at the big picture. If in fact, you acted on the suggestion, would that change the overall story? For the better? Worse? What other ripple effects would be felt in the piece?
For my first book, Saving Home, one of my critiques came from a renowned historical scholar. He gave me great historical advice and found some glaring historical errors. He also shared that he thought the dog in the story had no place and needed to be removed. I was devastated, as I felt the dog was central to one of the character’s motivations, and in several critical scenes, I used the dog to symbolize deeper thematic messages. After weeks of losing sleep and stressing over what to do, I decided the dog needed to stay. Based on author visits and mail I get from children who have read my book, the dog is always one of their favorite characters!
Ultimately, this is your piece of writing. What you do with conflicting or troubling critiques and suggestions is entirely in your control. Do not make the decisions lightly, but remember that feedback, even conflicting or negative critiques, are food for thought and insight into at least one reader’s reaction to your writing.
But what if you get conflicting critiques? Feedback on the same piece of writing that is in opposition to each other?
Too much dialogue. Not enough dialogue.
Scene too far-fetched. Scene is too bland and ordinary.
As a writer, is it essential that we remember that writing is subjective. At least reacting to writing is subjective. There is no way around it. As much as editors, agents, experts, beta readers, and critique partners try to be unbiased, it is not entirely possible. Every reader brings their own experiences and perspectives to your writing. That is part of what is so exciting about the author/reader relationship.
So how should you handle conflicting critiques?
First, do not discount them. Take a cold, hard look at them both. And do not simply shrug off the one that is the most troubling or critical. Actually, that is the one you should look at the closest. Are there any explanations that help to clarify what the issue is? Is this the first time you have heard this particular criticism? Or is this part of a pattern?
I have a current unpublished manuscript that was a recent semi-finalist in a writing contest. In reviewing the judges’ feedback, two scored it exceptionally high, while the third one was significantly lower. As I get ready to do another round of revisions, that judge’s critique will be the one I start with and spend the most time analyzing.
Second, consider the source of the critiques. If you have two conflicting pieces of advice, what is the background of each of the readers? The expertise of the critiquer must be taken into account. If I had two conflicting pieces of advice and one came from a reputable literary agent and another from an unpublished writing friend, I know which I would consider first.
Lastly, think about how the advice of each would impact your story. This is taking a step back and looking at the big picture. If in fact, you acted on the suggestion, would that change the overall story? For the better? Worse? What other ripple effects would be felt in the piece?
For my first book, Saving Home, one of my critiques came from a renowned historical scholar. He gave me great historical advice and found some glaring historical errors. He also shared that he thought the dog in the story had no place and needed to be removed. I was devastated, as I felt the dog was central to one of the character’s motivations, and in several critical scenes, I used the dog to symbolize deeper thematic messages. After weeks of losing sleep and stressing over what to do, I decided the dog needed to stay. Based on author visits and mail I get from children who have read my book, the dog is always one of their favorite characters!
Ultimately, this is your piece of writing. What you do with conflicting or troubling critiques and suggestions is entirely in your control. Do not make the decisions lightly, but remember that feedback, even conflicting or negative critiques, are food for thought and insight into at least one reader’s reaction to your writing.
November 16, 2020
Let Them Be Bored!
“I’m bored.”
The lament of children everywhere who want us to swoop in and entertain them. Provide them with something fun, or interesting to do. Not just an affliction just for children, boredom can hit us as adults as well.
Boredom for all of us, rears its head when we have unstructured time. Something that has been in abundance for most people since the pandemic struck. When everything came to a screeching halt. Talk to anyone about the changes most prevalent in their lives in 2020, and the amount of unstructured time usually tops the list. The hours and days freed up that used to be filled with gatherings, sports, events, concerts, and socializing. While some virtual options have slipped in, the fact remains that for most people, we are dealing with more unstructured time.
There is a definite connection between boredom and discovering ones’ talents, passions, and gifts. One does not have to go far or dig too deep to find scientific articles and studies that uncover the link between boredom and creativity. Having chunks of unstructured time to let your mind wander has been proven to be a catalyst for creative idea generation. Creative idea generation is the first step to innovation.
I also believe that this unstructured time allows for the discovery of talents and passions we might not have known we had. With time to devote to pastimes that were never nurtured before- perhaps you uncovered your green thumb, your poet’s heart, or your culinary skill.
For many children, this may be the first time they have had so much unstructured time. Instead of their schedules being packed with activities, lessons, and gatherings, they are being forced to slow down. For adults, we understand the value of breaks in routine and pricelessness of unexpected time. For children who have always had their time filled and scheduled for them, this can be unnerving.
Naturally, as the adults, we want to fix it. So we try to plan things for them. Make suggestions. Try to alleviate their boredom.
I am here to say that in my humble opinion, that is a mistake. Let them be bored. Let them wallow in the time. Let them think, putter, wonder, dabble. Perhaps they will discover a new passion or talent.
So the next time you hear them say “I’m bored”, be sure to respond with “Awesome! Now get creative!”
The lament of children everywhere who want us to swoop in and entertain them. Provide them with something fun, or interesting to do. Not just an affliction just for children, boredom can hit us as adults as well.
Boredom for all of us, rears its head when we have unstructured time. Something that has been in abundance for most people since the pandemic struck. When everything came to a screeching halt. Talk to anyone about the changes most prevalent in their lives in 2020, and the amount of unstructured time usually tops the list. The hours and days freed up that used to be filled with gatherings, sports, events, concerts, and socializing. While some virtual options have slipped in, the fact remains that for most people, we are dealing with more unstructured time.
There is a definite connection between boredom and discovering ones’ talents, passions, and gifts. One does not have to go far or dig too deep to find scientific articles and studies that uncover the link between boredom and creativity. Having chunks of unstructured time to let your mind wander has been proven to be a catalyst for creative idea generation. Creative idea generation is the first step to innovation.
I also believe that this unstructured time allows for the discovery of talents and passions we might not have known we had. With time to devote to pastimes that were never nurtured before- perhaps you uncovered your green thumb, your poet’s heart, or your culinary skill.
For many children, this may be the first time they have had so much unstructured time. Instead of their schedules being packed with activities, lessons, and gatherings, they are being forced to slow down. For adults, we understand the value of breaks in routine and pricelessness of unexpected time. For children who have always had their time filled and scheduled for them, this can be unnerving.
Naturally, as the adults, we want to fix it. So we try to plan things for them. Make suggestions. Try to alleviate their boredom.
I am here to say that in my humble opinion, that is a mistake. Let them be bored. Let them wallow in the time. Let them think, putter, wonder, dabble. Perhaps they will discover a new passion or talent.
So the next time you hear them say “I’m bored”, be sure to respond with “Awesome! Now get creative!”
