Teaching Artist
Leave a CommentFor many years, I’ve struggled with defining myself as an “educator.” I began my career as an “educator.” I taught middle and high school. But, that role didn’t work for me. I found myself too trapped. Too confined. There was something else I wanted to do. Write. But, being only a writer didn’t work either. I missed the kids. I missed the interactions. And right away, I began running the poetry workshop at Denney Juvenile Justice Center.
But, still what to call this new role? Perhaps, most telling, are my early experiences with writers who worked with kids along with their own writng. The first experience happened when I took my seventh grade students to a week of creativity at Centrum. During the week, I worked in a poetry workshop with Vicky Edmonds. I sobbed after I read my first poem in her workshop. In that moment, I woke up and remembered that there was something else I wanted to do.
A few years later, I attended the National Book Foundation Summer Writing Camp. In a workshop with Norma Fox Mazer, I cried after reading a piece about my Dad. That began my journey into the Vermont College Writing Program for Teens and Young Adults. And looking back, I think those two experiences also shaped how I thought about writing and the type of writer I wanted to be. I learned that writing can be used as a source of healing, both for the writer and the reader, and I learned that it was important to use that skill and talent to guide others as a mentor.
But, I still couldn’t figure out how to define what I did. Yes. I write. Yes. I work with kids as a writer/mentor who is sharing how writing can help tell our stories. But, I don’t work as a classroom teacher and I don’t want that label. So what exactly is my role? How do I define what I do?
The Arts Corps of Seattle defines it perfectly…I am a teaching artist.
“A teaching artist is a practicing artist whose teaching is part of that practice. Teaching artists don’t necessarily have education degrees, but they might. Teaching artists are role models for lifestyle, discipline and skill. They pass on an oral and experiential tradition in ways of thinking, seeing and being. They are educators in the truest sense of the word. The root of the word ‘educate’ is to draw out. They ‘draw out’ rather than ‘put in.’ They are guides/facilitators/bridges to creativity. Teaching artists are social activists.”
- Arts Corps education director Tina LaPadula, Teaching Artist Journal
Ghost in the Lighthouse
My short story, “Ghost in the Lighthouse” is published with the Washington State History Museum’s e-zine, Columbia Kids.
The story is based on a ghost story about the Point Wilson Lighthouse in Port Townsend, Washington. Ann loves to help Father tend the light while telling him stories. But, when Father leaves Ann in charge of the light for one night, she must confront her fears: Is there really a ghost in the lighthouse? And can she find a way to banish the ghost forever?
2010 Bylines Writer Calendar
The 2010 Bylines Writer Desk Calendar is now available and I’m one of the featured writers talking about writing with the youth at Denney Juvenile Justice Center.
If you would like to order a 2010 Bylines Writer Desk Calendar click here. They are $14.95 plus shipping.
Fremont Troll
I’m working on an article about the Fremont Troll for Columbia Kids, an e-zine published by the Washington State History Museum for kids.
As a part of the article, I got to visit the troll and take pictures. It was a fun morning in Fremont!
Fremont Troll
Fremont Troll
Finalist for William C. Morris Award Announced
The finalists for the 2010 William C. Morris Award have been announced. The award honors a book written for young adults by a previously unpublished author and is sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
The 2010 finalists are: Ash (Little, Brown) by Malinda Lo, a fairy tale about a girl’s move from comfort to despair to true love with a little help from fairies and magic; Beautiful Creatures (Little, Brown) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, a Southern Gothic love story; The Everafter (HarperCollins) by Amy Huntley, about a dead teen who re-experiences certain times in her life; Flash Burnout (Houghton) by L. K. Madigan, which deals with family, teen romance, drug addiction, and friendship; and Hold Still (Penguin) by Nina LaCour, a story about starting over after a friend’s suicide.
Seventeen Teen Fiction Contest
** Please note: I am only passing this information along to teens. If you have questions about this contest including when the winners will be announced, please contact Seventeen Magazine. Good luck!
SEVENTEEN MAGAZINE FICTION CONTEST
http://www.seventeen.com/fun-stuff/special/official-rules-fiction
Limit 500 words. One (1) winner will receive a cash prize
of $5,000; have the story published in a 2010 issue of
Seventeen; and receive a phone call from Meg Cabot and her book publishing editor, which will be scheduled by Scholastic Inc. Open to female, legal residents ages 13-21 of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and Canada. Deadline December 31, 2009.
Young Adult Wrting Contest
WILL ALBRECHT YOUNG ADULT WRITING CONTEST
$5 ENTRY FEE.
The Blue Moon Literary and Art Review is accepting entries. Young adult writers ages 15 through 20 are invited to submit up to three poems or two short stories (maximum 10 pages each, typed, double-spaced). Winning submissions will be published in the fall issue of Blue Moon Literary & Art Review. First place $100, second place $50, third place $25.
Teen Writing Opportunity–YARN
YARN, a new online literary magazine for Young Adult readers, is seeking fiction, poetry, and essays for its debut issue. (Non-paying market) Writing should be of special interest to 14-18 year old readers, but can be written by writers of any age or background. Submissions by teens are especially encouraged. YARN’s mission is to publish the highest quality creative writing for everyone who enjoys young adult lit. Published quarterly, YARN will feature short fiction and creative essays, poetry, and an author interview.
Our interactive sections will allow for comments on stories, as well as reviews of recent YA books. We distinguish ourselves from other teen lit mags by seeking to discover new teen writers, and publish them alongside established writers of the YA genre. Issue 1 will go live in Winter 2010
Richard Hugo House Teen Writing Opportunity
As part of the Hugo Literary Series, Richard Hugo House seeks poems, short stories or personal essays of no more than 1000 words. The theme is Gods and Monsters, and the winner will receive $100 and an invitation to read at the third Hugo Literary Series event at Richard Hugo House alongside poets Linda Bierds and Terrance Hayes, novelist Garth Stein and the music of BloodHag.
Entries are due January 11, 2010
Learn more about Richard Hugo House Teen Programs.
Middle Grade Ghost Story Sold
I am happy to announce that my middle grade ghost story, “Ghost in the Lighthouse” sold to ColumbiaKids, an e-zine published by the Washington State History Museum. The story will appear in the Winter 2010 issue.
The story is based on a ghost story about the Point Wilson Lighthouse in Port Townsend, Washington. Ann loves to help Father tend the light while telling him stories. But, when Father leaves Ann in charge of the light for one night, she must confront her fears: Is there really a ghost in the lighthouse? And can she find a way to banish the ghost forever?
Point Wilson Lighthouse Port Townsend
Point Wilson Lighthouse Sign
Point Wilson Lighthouse and Keeper's House
