North Mac Career Fair

Fifth grade, Mrs. Smith…aliens and monsters and dinosaurs.. “Whatever you do. . “ Mom: What do you know about aliens and monsters from outer space? Nothing. What do you know about dinosaurs… Nothing. Write about something you know…What? . . .Grandpa’s fingers. Grandma and the chickens…they loved it. Uncle Johnny…Pop goes the weasel Aunt Lizzy…donkeys

You write differently than I did…pencil and tablet…computer or IPad, but the writing…hasn’t changed a bit.

Four little rules: Write about the things you know about. . (above)

Write about People…I met you today…I may write about you in a newspaper column next week or in my journal tonight. . The most interesting things to write about are right here in this room. Who?... Large step before getting in bed? Cover up everything but your mouth? Try not to step on cracks? BALL TOSS: Favorite Christmas present ever. ---A time your mom or dad embarrassed you. ---One person other than your mom or dad who you really admire. ---If you could be anywhere in the world right now. ---Eat only one thing all day?

I think the main reason I write…I think that people are pretty cool. For example, right now I’d like to know. . .

Get an audience… Don’t just write for your teacher…. Get someone else to listen. If you write something you really like, ask your teacher to read it aloud to the class. Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters…your dog if he’s a good listener.

Two rough kids…Josh and Jeremy…skateboarders…got together every Sunday night. Read to class.

Finally…to be a good writer you have to have fun. Stop worrying about how it’s going to sound…just write! Tell those little voices in your head to be quiet. . “Oh, it won’t be good enough.” “They’ll probably laugh at me.” “I can’t spell.” “I can never remember where to put the commas.” “It might not be perfect.” ---Stop writing you’re afraid of making a mistake and write because it’s fun! --Eat more ice cream. --Go barefoot more often. --wear your underwear backwards for entire day. Only you will know… ---Walk up to the biggest grouch you know and say, “I just want you to know that I feel great!”.. bother them all day. --Next time at McDonald’s.. “Have a nice day” ask them why --When you write, don’t worry so much about who you’re trying to please...chances are, if you like it, other people will too.

You want to be a writer?

Write what you know about
Get interested in people.
Get an audience..
Lighten up!

Questions?

More ball toss: What scares you most? Who’s your favorite superhero? Real-life hero? Theatre. . . I write plays and direct plays. Today: here’s how we get ready. Basketball team…let’s pretend…no practice, no warm-up, here’s the ball..Go! BALL TOSS: Favorite Christmas present ever. ---A time your mom or dad embarrassed you. ---One person other than your mom or dad who you really admire. ---If you could be anywhere in the world right now. ---Eat only one thing all day?

Line Talk, Word Tennis, Simul-Talk, Vacation Slides, Statue, Death By, The Brain, Sound Circle, Lie-Lie-Truth, Walk on-sit-walk off, 3-Word scene, Freeze Tag, Elevator Object,