Get Smart: Learning as a Writer

What do you want as a writer?

I discovered this recently when I posted the top 5 blogs I'd written for 2012 and 2013. And what the research has taught me is that writers (most of all) want to learn.

It isn't enough for them to write until their dying day. They want to get better not only by writing but by reading and attending classes and applying what they have learned.

When have you learned that has had the most impact in your writing life?

Photo by: aflcio, courtesy of Flickr

Has it been a conference? When you've borrowed that new writing book from the library? When you've attended that class?

Do you find yourself trying new things like I do, because it's exciting to get out there and do more than sit behind the desk and write?

I LOVE attending conferences, but I also love teaching them. I love teaching one on one, but I also like the energy and ideas that a big group brings.

How do you feel about editing someone's book for free, or writing a review?

When it comes to writing and publishing, the learning curve is as much about making your writing great as it is about helping someone else to make their work great.



Photo by: Philip Taylor PT, courtesy of Flickr

When was the last time you taught a class for FREE or agreed to work with a new writer one on one for a couple of hours without asking for money?

True, if you have a business like I do, you're in it to make some money so that you don't have to get that job at McDonald's, but there is something beautiful and fine about that free visit with a writer.

I give writer's a free visit the first time they come to me for any writing service. I like to do this, because I learn quickly if the writer and I are a good fit, and I can assist them in their project even if we're not an especially good fit by directing them to someone else. I learn loads too; about writing styles, writer personalities, and what gets individuals excited about writing.

I love to give free classes too. Have you ever taught a class and realized you were learning along with the class? This happens to me all of the time.

Being smart as a writer isn't always about writing. It's about learning and it's about reaching out.

Teach a Class

I've said a lot about taking classes in writing, but, let's face it, teaching a class can help increase your writing skills as well as your teaching skills in one fell swoop.

I remember the first time I taught. My hands were shaking and my voice sounded like something surreal. I got choked up several times, and not because my words were, shall we say 'powerful.' I think it's safe to say that it took a few times of teaching a class to calm my nerves but I also think I'm pretty normal. Most of us get scared when we have to teach in front of a crowd.

The important thing is that we are open to teaching. That's why we study up on ways to make the classroom experience more effective, and we are willing to teach even if we aren't paid at first. The most important thing is that we teach, especially if:

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• We have just published a book or have experience in newspaper or magazine writing. Even blog writing can make you a professional, especially if you've been at it for awhile.
• Are teaching a beginning class as an intermediate writer, or an intermediate or beginning class as an advanced writer. There is so much you can do, even if you don't feel as if you're as expert as a writer who's been at it for 25 years. What have you learned through the process of writing? What have you learned about dialogue, setting, or plot that you can pass on to writers?
• We want to sell our books at the end of the event. Even when a teaching event doesn't pay, such as a writer's event, you can still get the word out about your books. At the beginning of your class, spend a few moments talking about your writing journey, and make sure you're a part of the book signing event at the conference.
• Love teens or young children. When my first book, "A River of Stones" came out, I spoke at various schools and libraries. Since the book was for younger readers, my book fit right in, and most places were happy to sell my books after the class or event. I have also taught one hour writing classes in schools, where the children create their own picture book story.



Photo by: Bes Z, courtesy of Flickr

• We enjoy learning from others. There is so much to learn, and a classroom setting gives students an opportunity to share their work and ask questions. In every class I have taught I have learned something valuable for my own writing.
• We love mentoring. One on one teaching is great, and not just because you avoid the large crowds. Teaching a single student allows you to understand and appreciate what they do. It also allows you to focus in on the student's needs and give them the assistance they specifically need. You can make it your business to mentor students in your home or you can work as a reading or writing aid at a school within your local school district.

Teaching a class may not be an easy prospect, but it is rewarding. Giving yourself some time and learning the ropes, often through just doing it, will not only be an important growth experience for you but for those you teach.

A Grateful, Teaching Spirit

DECEMBER 27

A Grateful, Teaching Spirit

I haven’t always taught with the spirit although I have often worked through much preparation. I haven’t always allowed the spirit to teach me because I thought I knew better or had it all figured out. (See Zephaniah 2:15)

But like having your own agenda--teaching with your own desires and wisdom, teaching without the spirit, leads you to honor yourself and your own words rather than the Savior and His. And isn’t that what you are teaching. His words?

In journaling, it is easy to lend breath to the words we have written without acknowledging where they have come from in the first place. If we are pondering over the words of the Lord, it is sure that we will come to some conclusion sent just from Him.

Photo by: Curt Fleenor

A journal of gratitude and a grateful, teaching spirit can only come through and by the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the teacher, the greatest teacher we have.

I believe one of the greatest lessons we can learn from the Lord is his constant desire to do the will of the father first. To me this means he went to the Father first.

He would pray. And after that, the scriptures would be opened to Him. Then, and only then, would the scriptures lead him to other points of learning. A beautiful tree could then be seen and pondered. A woman’s words could be reflected on and shared. A story found in his travels could be applied.

Only after a growing relationship with his Father in Heaven could Jesus teach.

Perhaps you do not have a calling as a teacher in your life right now—but you are a teacher—to your children, to your spouse, to your neighbors and co-workers. You are a teacher.

Today, reflect on what the Lord would have you teach someone else. What would he have you do? Say? Record your thoughts.