First Published Writing–A Little History of Mindy

When I speak to kids or adults, one question that is not usually asked is, where did you first publish?

The answer: My college’s literary magazine: The Angle published by St. John Fisher College.

I was reminded of this first publication and how much it meant to me when reading St John Fisher College’s alumni magazine. Senior intern, Jonathan Howard, spent the spring 2007 creating an index of the contents and contributors of each issue of The Angle. as well as scanning all the covers of many issues. The issues can be found on-line at the St. John Fisher Library webpage.

Not all the issues are scanned yet, but as I browsed, I was thrilled to see the 1992 issue where I was both on staff and published my first writing.

If you choose to read, “Endings.”, (And you’ll have to open it with a PDF file and scroll down to the writing), keep in mind, I was twenty..and full of romantic angst. (Perhaps something I have never quite grown out of as I find myself drawn to writing YA romance).

Rereading that first published piece, I see the connections of how I write with the juvie kids and the connections of my current Work-In-Progress novel. So maybe those early writings aren’t something we should shrug off, but instead perhaps we might look to those early writings for inspiration and as a way to guide us to where the heart of writing lies for each of us.

Good Writing News

During the Highlights Foundation Writing Workshop at Chautauqua, we had the opportunity to have our pictures taken with one of the faculty. We were told the picture would be included in a press release to our local papers. I have the good fortune of living in a community with a small paper, The Lake Stevens Journal. And so….the photo with Joy Neaves, editor at Front Street, and I was published along with a small bit about the conference.

This week, the press release was published. (Scroll down to find the link).

Also, my article, “Teaching Writing in Juvenile Detention” was published on Funds for Writers.

It’s been a fun week!

Back-To-School Writing Idea

It’s Back-To-School time! As a former middle and high school teacher, I know these last weeks of August very well. The feelings of excitement about greeting a new class and feeling refreshed after a few weeks away from the classroom. The feelings of “What will my classes be like this year?” The feelings of, “Oh, my gosh..it’s a long time until the next break!” The back-to-school dreams where the class is staring at me and I haven’t planned anything for the first day. Oh yes…I know these late August days very well!

I don’t go “back-to-school” anymore. Although I do work with kids in classrooms through writer-in-residence programs and school visits, my appearances into school usually occur in October.

My first published short story appeared in Summer Shorts published by Blooming Tree Press last September. One of the nice things about this collection of middle grade/early YA short stories is it’s perfect for “back-to-school lessons.”

If you’re looking for a Summer Shorts Writing Handout, try this fun writing and reading lesson with Summer Shorts!

Young Writer Resources

When I speak to schools, I am often asked, “How can I help young writers?”

The following are three of the best resources I have found on the web.

1. Absynthe Muse

This website covers it all. New opportunities to submit, links to writing articles, and a community of young writers.

2. Little Owl Mentoring

This is a free mentoring program to young writers who are partnered with professional writers for a period of time in order to meet specific writing goals.

3. Kid Writer Funds for Writers

A part of Funds for Writers, this website keeps current information on markets, contests, and grants for kids. There is also a free monthly newsletter that you can sign up for which will tell you what places are looking for young writers submissions.