If you haven't created a NaNoWriMo user account and password, please do so ASAP so I can invite you to our virtual classroom. http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/
I ordered our class kit which comes with stickers and fun stuff for our group.
Mark your calendar: Tuesday, November 1st - NaNoWriMo kick-off party! Rm. 7, 3:45p - 5:00p.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Hello to my writing club members!
We will resume our meetings next Tuesday, October 18th, in my classroom from 3:45p - 5:00p. Yes, it's October Break, but a writer never stops writing (or thinking about writing), write? I mean, right? (-:
To create my NaNoWriMo book this year, I'm going to practice what I teach. I will be following the IB Design Cycle (International Baccalaureate) which employs the following categories: Investigate, Plan, Design, Create and Evaluate. In future posts, I'll explain what these mean in more detail, but suffice to say we should all know the definition of PLAN.
(But just in case, here are some definitions straight from Merriam-Webster Online...)
1. to arrange the parts of...
2. to devise or project the realization or achievement of...
3. to have in mind...
That's the one I mean. To have in mind. What do you have in mind for your book? Not sure? Aha! That, my friend, is why we plan.
Sooooooo...here's your assignment for next week.
Purchase a journal, notebook or boot up your computer and create an electronic folder called NaNoWriMo 2011. Begin with a new page called "Planning" and write/answer the questions below.
Here are thoughts to ponder regarding writing your NaNoWriMo book.
1. How many words do you intend to achieve this year? "Winners" are those who write 50,000 words within the month of November. Each year, my club has produced at least 10 of these types of winners, but please consider your age and grade level. Yes, yes, I know you are gifted and accelerated, but you must consider schoolwork, other club commitments (how dare you!!!), your weekday bedtime (I even have one of those), and your family responsibilities. In other words, please don't over commit, yet set a challenge that will motivate you. Perhaps you could increase your word count from last year by 5,000?
2. What is the genre you intend to write? Romance? Comedy? Drama? Adventure? Science Fiction? Not sure? Write down the type of book(s) you've read that is/are SIMILAR to the one you will probably write.
3. What is the book's working title?
4. Who/what is your main character (protagonist) and what does he/she/it want?
5. In what situation will you place this character? What must he/she do to get out of it?
6. Who/what are the protagonists of the story?
7. What conflicts/obstacles must your protagonist face/overcome?
If you have NO IDEA what to write, go for a walk. Go to the mall. Go to the movies. Go to the bookstore/library. Go to the park. Bring your dog to the groomers. In other words, live your normal life but be acutely aware of the happenings around you, the emotions and nuances of those who are near you, their concerns and goals. Jot these observations in your notebook (yes, you did remember to bring it, didn't you?) and brainstorm ideas. Ask yourself "What if..." What if the toddler wandered off through the clothing store and out into the food court...alone? What if the pizza maker finally conjures enough courage to ask out the girl who works at the Dairy Queen? What if the elevator stops between the third and fourth floor - with two rival gang members trapped inside? What if the prized show dog runs across the street and is struck by a car?
Look for situations. Look for ideas. They are all around you. You just have to observe the world through the eyes of a writer.
21 days - whoohoo!!!!!! NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
We will resume our meetings next Tuesday, October 18th, in my classroom from 3:45p - 5:00p. Yes, it's October Break, but a writer never stops writing (or thinking about writing), write? I mean, right? (-:
To create my NaNoWriMo book this year, I'm going to practice what I teach. I will be following the IB Design Cycle (International Baccalaureate) which employs the following categories: Investigate, Plan, Design, Create and Evaluate. In future posts, I'll explain what these mean in more detail, but suffice to say we should all know the definition of PLAN.
(But just in case, here are some definitions straight from Merriam-Webster Online...)
1. to arrange the parts of...
2. to devise or project the realization or achievement of...
3. to have in mind...
That's the one I mean. To have in mind. What do you have in mind for your book? Not sure? Aha! That, my friend, is why we plan.
Sooooooo...here's your assignment for next week.
Purchase a journal, notebook or boot up your computer and create an electronic folder called NaNoWriMo 2011. Begin with a new page called "Planning" and write/answer the questions below.
Here are thoughts to ponder regarding writing your NaNoWriMo book.
1. How many words do you intend to achieve this year? "Winners" are those who write 50,000 words within the month of November. Each year, my club has produced at least 10 of these types of winners, but please consider your age and grade level. Yes, yes, I know you are gifted and accelerated, but you must consider schoolwork, other club commitments (how dare you!!!), your weekday bedtime (I even have one of those), and your family responsibilities. In other words, please don't over commit, yet set a challenge that will motivate you. Perhaps you could increase your word count from last year by 5,000?
2. What is the genre you intend to write? Romance? Comedy? Drama? Adventure? Science Fiction? Not sure? Write down the type of book(s) you've read that is/are SIMILAR to the one you will probably write.
3. What is the book's working title?
4. Who/what is your main character (protagonist) and what does he/she/it want?
5. In what situation will you place this character? What must he/she do to get out of it?
6. Who/what are the protagonists of the story?
7. What conflicts/obstacles must your protagonist face/overcome?
If you have NO IDEA what to write, go for a walk. Go to the mall. Go to the movies. Go to the bookstore/library. Go to the park. Bring your dog to the groomers. In other words, live your normal life but be acutely aware of the happenings around you, the emotions and nuances of those who are near you, their concerns and goals. Jot these observations in your notebook (yes, you did remember to bring it, didn't you?) and brainstorm ideas. Ask yourself "What if..." What if the toddler wandered off through the clothing store and out into the food court...alone? What if the pizza maker finally conjures enough courage to ask out the girl who works at the Dairy Queen? What if the elevator stops between the third and fourth floor - with two rival gang members trapped inside? What if the prized show dog runs across the street and is struck by a car?
Look for situations. Look for ideas. They are all around you. You just have to observe the world through the eyes of a writer.
21 days - whoohoo!!!!!! NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Saturday, October 1st
Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 18th at 3:45p in my classroom. See you then!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Welcome back, everyone! I've started my writers' blog again to gear us up for another NaNoWriMo event...56 days and counting, Wrimos!
We lost a few of our club's members due to the shift of ninth grade to the local high school )-: HOWEVER, you know where to find classroom 7, right? You're welcome to join us after school, read this blog and comment to support each other. Welcome to the new members this year!
I spoke with a few of you last week and was pleased to hear you are already planning your NaNoWriMo books topics. I've got an idea for mine. The working title is "In the Wings" and it takes place backstage during a drama performance at school. This topic is a natural for me because I love theatre and have performed in many shows. I also think it's an appropriate topic for middle grade students since many young people can relate to waiting for their moments to shine.
We will resume our club meetings on Tuesday, October 18th, to prepare for the NaNoWriMo kickoff on Tuesday, November 1st. Can't wait to get started...
I'm currently reading "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. Thanks, Frank, for recommending the book.
We lost a few of our club's members due to the shift of ninth grade to the local high school )-: HOWEVER, you know where to find classroom 7, right? You're welcome to join us after school, read this blog and comment to support each other. Welcome to the new members this year!
I spoke with a few of you last week and was pleased to hear you are already planning your NaNoWriMo books topics. I've got an idea for mine. The working title is "In the Wings" and it takes place backstage during a drama performance at school. This topic is a natural for me because I love theatre and have performed in many shows. I also think it's an appropriate topic for middle grade students since many young people can relate to waiting for their moments to shine.
We will resume our club meetings on Tuesday, October 18th, to prepare for the NaNoWriMo kickoff on Tuesday, November 1st. Can't wait to get started...
I'm currently reading "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. Thanks, Frank, for recommending the book.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, May 15th
Novel Writing Club Members:
Our club meetings for the school year have ended. Continue to write and revise over the summer.
My short story "Nobody" received honorable mention in the 2011 MPS Voices Contest.
My plans for the summer - revise "Summer Rain" and "A Place for Pamela".
Keep writing and see you in September. Think NaNoWriMo 2011!
Mrs. Procopio
Our club meetings for the school year have ended. Continue to write and revise over the summer.
My short story "Nobody" received honorable mention in the 2011 MPS Voices Contest.
My plans for the summer - revise "Summer Rain" and "A Place for Pamela".
Keep writing and see you in September. Think NaNoWriMo 2011!
Mrs. Procopio
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Novel Club meeting will be held in rm. 7 from 3:45p - 5:00p.
Good luck with the AIMS test this week! Don't stay up too late and be sure to eat breakfast!
(-:
Good luck with the AIMS test this week! Don't stay up too late and be sure to eat breakfast!
(-:
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