Passing It On

Today marks day 10 of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), and I crossed the 20K line! I’ve got 30,000 more words to go before the end of November. Last year, I made it to 50,000 words in 21 days. Don’t think I’ll beat my record, but I didn’t deal with a two-day nasty migraine during NaNo last year. I am LOVING my new characters! Something about watching the story line come together just really makes me happy.

Palmer typing HIS NaNo novel

Something else that makes me really happy is watching Palmer work on his NaNo novel. BTW, his t-shirt says, “I Eat Novels For Breakfast!” Over the last few months I’ve been working with Palmer’s second grade class, teaching them about character development, plots and dialogue to get them ready to take on the NaNo challenge. The Young Writers Program branch of NaNo allows classrooms to sign up and participate. No, I know what you’re thinking . . . they do not have to write a 50,000 word novel. Ms. Fletcher and I discussed a goal that was difficult but reachable, deciding to put the goal at 750 words. Ms. Fletcher is even doing it, and she hates writing!

Palmer and I have spent some great time at REV Coffee (my favorite writing place!), and I can’t express how much it excites me to see him enjoying writing. Several of the students in his class have already met their goals of 750 words. I LOVE reading their novels. Kids do have some great imaginations!

The last few weeks in Palmer’s classroom have taught me the importance of passing on my love of writing. Many kids (and adults) cringe at the thought of having to write anything. The ability to write, and to write well, is a tool they can use the rest of their lives. These students have taken on the NaNo challenge in a big way, even stopping me in the hall to tell me about their novel. They are excited about writing!

Whatever it is that you are passionate about, I encourage you to pass it on!