Musings from a middle school reading specialist. I encourage my students to read, talk, write, and have fun!
I parent two amazing young-adult daughters with my husband of 30+ years.

March 1, 2013

How I started to Slice - SOLC #1

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Two Writing Teachers
Two years ago, I thought my friend and colleague Michelle was C.R.A.Z.Y.  She had convinced me into writing a blog in 2010.  Now it was January 2011.  She was talking all about her new group of online friends.

She called them "The Slicers."

"Yeah.  Uh-huh.  That sounds nice," I said.

Then she talked about how she was becoming such a better writer and thinker.  She gushed about her new writing community.

"Writing community?" I thought.  "Oh - I can't be part of that.  I'm a big talker, but I'm no writer!"

Fast forward to last year, March 2012.  Michelle encourages Lynn at school to try slicing.  Lynn has started a blog and writes pretty often.

I ask Lynn if she's going to slice.  She's not feeling confident about writing every day, but she decides to join.

I'm still not convinced that I can do it.  Where will I find the time?

I visited Ruth & Stacey's website.  I clicked around. I stalked other slicers in February.

I jumped in with both feet.  I was nervous.  I was unsure of my ability to write something that would make sense.  I worried that no one would read or comment.

What happened after 31 straight days of writing?
I found a community where everyone is valued.  I made connections.  I found my voice.

I'm excited for all the first-time slicers... get ready for a month you won't forget!

We're so glad you're here!

P.S.  Thanks, Michelle and Lynn for your ability to listen, hold me accountable, and your friendship!! XOXO
P.P.S. Thanks to Ruth and Stacey for giving us a place to become a community of writers!

6 comments:

  1. You articulated the worry and concern I sometimes still have. I so value the community that we share. I'm glad you are here.

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  2. I guess it does take a village Chris... glad to return the favor....thank you for your ability to listen, holding me accountable and most important for your friendship! xoxo

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  3. I can so relate, Chris! That Michelle got us all, didn't she? So glad that you & Lynn joined with me last year. And, your words do make sense and I enjoy reading your slices and look forward to the coming month. Thanks for all your comments,too.

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  4. You tell a tale so many of us have experienced. Once we start, we can't stop. That's magic! This is an incredible place to share thoughts and stories. I'm glad you are in.

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  5. Yeah, I'm so glad you are here! Was I really gushing and all that? You really thought I was C.R.A.Z.Y? Hmmm . . . how come I didn't know about all this? Well, in the end, my acting skills played out perfectly. You are here. Lynn is here. I am here. We are writing, making connections, feeling valued, and finding our voice -- funny coming from you!

    Happy writing my friend!

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  6. Loved hearing the story of how you started slicing. Like you, one of my favorite things about slicing is the online community and connections! So many nice people.

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