March Slice of Life Story Challenge
hosted at the Two Writing Teachers
Join us for a month of writing!
So, as you already know, it's day 10. Nine days of writing complete and twenty-one more days of writing to share. And then there is today. Day 10.
This is year four of the challenge for me and I'm not feeling the pressure or stresses of having to write daily. Actually, I'm enjoying the process of reflecting on my day, scrounging up my notebook or loose sticky notes, and writing in the moment. I always have a few ideas in my back pocket. There is always one story that speaks louder to me to share.
Today is one of those days. I have a couple of thoughts and ideas floating in my head: special early lunch, silly skyping girls (my mom wrote about this today!), Plant a Kiss, sunshine and fresh air. However, nothing grabbed me today. But I know I will still write without concern. I'm not at the point of endlessly tapping my keyboard with empty thoughts. I'm not yet writing a post about not knowing what to write about. I'm not even close to giving up. So, what did I do instead?
First, I decided to read my three previous years posts on day 10 thinking an idea would spark. I read about the quiet and LOUD moments at my house. I reminisced about my three words. And I laughed about my new writing love. It's quite fun to go back and reread old posts.
Then I hopped over to my SOLSC: Mentor Slices and Ideas Pinterest page. I skimmed the titles and authors and I smiled remembering why I saved these special slices. Then I remembered my "Writing Inspiration" Pinterest page that is full of quotes and writing ideas. I thought about writing to "currently. . . " and before I could share about anything currently happening, this is what transpired instead.
One of my "you will" suggestions was to reflect on your writing throughout the month. Day 10 seemed to be a good day for me to reflect.
How are you feeling on day 10? What are you noticing about your writing? What is surprising about your writing? What challenges are you facing?
Love all these ideas that you ended up sharing in your reflection! Gives me a lot to reflect on!
ReplyDeleteI reflected today, too! Although I didn't reflect on my writing journey, I still reflected. I, too, am a fourth year, and I'm finding it much easier, more natural, and less stressful than in years past. Glad you got to spend some time reflecting today. :)
ReplyDeleteYour questions saved my day. You'll find my response on my blog: http://justforamonth.blogspot.com/2014/03/day-10-how-is-it-going.html (I pasted the link in case you don't have time to read today and want to find it later)
ReplyDeleteFourth year is certainly easier than the previous years. I don't know whether it's because I have become better at writing or because my life is less complicated.
It's always good to have the reminder that I'm not alone when I have these kinds of days. I have not yet reflected on this year's journey so far so maybe that'll be up for discussion in a day or two.
ReplyDeleteI felt like I had that kind of day too...what do I write about? I worried that it's only day ten, but it's nice to know that I'm not alone!
ReplyDeleteReflecting on the process is part of the joy of living a writing life, I think. How cool that you treated yourself to past slices...I need to do that. too - so many moments to reflect upon!
ReplyDeleteI will be glad next year when I have slices to reflect on! Enjoying my first year, but I know the day is coming when I run out of ideas! Yikes!
ReplyDeleteThere's days when I ask Dad for suggestions and he say something that will trigger something else that happened. So far so good this year, I haven't had to think real hard and the writing has become easier. Love ya, Mom
ReplyDeleteMarch is the busiest month for me at school as we test all the ELL students. So I knew that I had to be prepared. I have tried to write 3-4 slices during my weekend, and then be flexible if an idea comes to mind or an other blog post sparks a new idea. This is my year three, and it is definitely getting easier.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I'm really struggling this year... last year was similar... I think it's the added challenge of reading & commenting on my students' slices. It's still fun though!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of looking back at your posts from this day in other years! I'll have to try that! :-)
It's great to hear your reflection. I've never thought to go back to re-read certain posts, Michelle. Maybe it's time for a visit. I usually don't have much trouble finding something to write about, and this time I've been so busy reading some student slices, and it's fun to see what they're saying, that I'm kind of hurrying. You're lovely to ask!
ReplyDeleteI like how you shared your process of looking back at posts, scanning collected ideas and thinking through the day. You remind me to cultivate the ideas I've collected and get Pinterest organized and updated (always fun to do). It's my third year slicing and this year seems smoother than last. I may just write about that today! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNice. I agree. 4th year is easier? more relaxing? not as stressful? I'm not sure of the word I really want, but it is definitely flowing much easier.
ReplyDeleteTime is my challenge.
ReplyDeleteSchool takes so much of it day and night that I find it hard to want to try to find time to write every, every, every day....because it takes a long time for me to try to think of anything good enough to share...and I read it over and over and over for punctuation and so on...and then I still wonder if it's worth posting... Wink!