Sunday, July 19, 2009

Anyone? Anyone?

A friend and I are teaching a summer youth class at Southern Oregon University about getting published as a teen. It starts tomorrow and all of a sudden I'm really, really nervous. I think this is because I am the worst teacher in the history of the world. Fortunately, my friend is the best teacher in the history of the world. I’m afraid I’ll just be an accessory. My big splash is to bring donuts every day.

Anyone out there have any words of advice for teens who want to get published in newspapers and magazines? Any nuggets of wisdom I can feed them with their donuts?

11 comments:

Jennie Englund said...

You'll do great! Everyone will LOVE you, the witty babe with the book on the way!

It's exciting you're doing this. I'll have to stop by to see the fun for myself.

Save me a buttermilk bar!

Katie Anderson said...

no wisdom, but good luck! Have fun :-)

Kimberly Derting said...

I've got nothing. Food bribes seem like a good way to go!

Eric said...

I'm late in giving you any wisdom (not sure I could anyway), but I'm positive you've done fine. Let us know how it goes.

Suzanne Young said...

Just be funny. If you're the funny teacher, they'll adore you. :-)

Then maybe tell them to start a blog and network with other writers.

That's all I got.

GOOD LUCK! You'll be awesome. And you'd have won me over with the donuts.

Corey Schwartz said...

I'd love to team teach with a GREAT teacher. That's the best way to learn. Have fun.

Anonymous said...

Let us know how your first day went.
CAM

Anonymous said...

I got nuthin' but I hope it is going well and you are enjoying it?

Teri

Anne Spollen said...

I think donuts provide serious motivation for teens. If their interest lags, order a pizza. And they'll love you because you wrote a cool book and you're witty.

Seventeen Magazine and Merlyn's Pen - try talking about writing there.

Christy Raedeke said...

Thanks for the encouragement!

My husband, mother, and sister are all teachers and I've never understood the draw. Now I kind of get it: the time with the kids is oddly energizing in a way I'd never expected. The prep sucks though. Who knew it would take 4 times as long to prep for a class as it does to teach it?

Anonymous said...

After a couple of years, it comes naturally, and you don't need to spend that much time prepping. You get the vibes as to whether they understand it, like it, or are bored out of their minds, and you adjust accordingly. I've watched you with the kids, and never doubted that you could teach -- it's in the blood! Mom:-)