This week brought good news on two writing-related fronts:
1. My proposal for a Poetic Justice workshop at the 2008 conference of the National Association for Poetry Therapy was accepted. It’s not a paid gig, but I was planning to attend the conference anyway, so it costs me nothing and will spread the Poetic Justice message and mission to a wider audience. The conference information is available at www.poetrytherapy.org. It takes place in early April in Minneapolis. I don’t know yet which day I’ll be presenting, but will post more details here once I have them.
2. Earlier this week, I got the go-ahead to start a “Creative Writing Club” at my son’s elementary school. This is the fulfillment of a longtime desire of mine. When I was in elementary school myself, we had an art teacher who traveled between the six grade schools in town. I wanted her job, but teaching writing instead. This opportunity at my son’s school isn’t a staff job, but I will be paid by the parents, consistent with other after-school programs, like Math Club and drumming lessons. We’ll meet weekly beginning in January, working on a variety of fun writing exercises to help the students find and explore their voices. I also plan to compile an anthology of their work at the end of the school year. The principal and I are already in talks about a one-week “creative writing camp” during the summer. It’s great to have the chance to help encourage a new generation of writers!
This is also the end of my first semester of graduate school, and it has been a wonderful, challenging, growth-filled experience. I’m already looking forward to the next semester, which will start on January 14th.
What new projects have you taken on? As we head into the new year next month, think about ways you can get your words out into the world to make a difference. Don’t forget that submitting your work here is one of those opportunities!
In peace,
Diana