Teachers Write - Sunday Check-In 4.0

Hi ho, campers! 
Welcome to the fourth summer of Teachers Write.
 Raise your hand if you're excited!

I've come a long way as a writer since our first summer in 2012 but I've also come a long way as a person because of writing regularly and the connections I've made with my amazing Teachers Write family. I'm excited to see what I accomplish this time around and to hear how Teachers Write goes for you this year. Sharing and reflecting together is powerful. I'm glad you are here!

The Teachers Write community is truly top notch. I love that we are all in this together. All writing counts. Starting or jumping in or getting back into the swing of things is perfect. Everyone is welcome around the campfire. 

Here are a few things about me: I'm a 35-year-old mom to two active, energetic, nonstop, rambunctious little creatures who are eight and five and married to a sports-loving, ESPN-watching, PE teacher. I recently accepted a position as Technology Integration Specialist in the district where my kids go to school...which meant leaving the district I have worked in my entire career. I spent thirteen years as a hearing itinerant teacher working with kids who are deaf and hard of hearing, a teacher leader for our mentor program, and then a coordinator of instructional technology.

When I started this blog, I knew I wanted there to be an emphasis on how reading influences writing. I believe in the workshop model and the writing process but most importantly in using authentic texts - mentor texts - to learn from the best and improve writing through reading and studying mentor texts.

In terms of my writing,  I've been working on my young adult contemporary novel, HIS KISS since November of 2011 when I tried NaNoWriMo for the first time. I've never "won" at NaNoWriMo but I still consider myself a winner as writer because I haven't given up yet. I trust in the process and know my writing keeps getting better because I keep going (although it doesn't always feel this sparkly and fun). I've also worked on two picture book manuscripts and am doing research for another.

But enough about me! I'll share some important, must-know Teachers Write information here and then I want to hear about you! 

When in doubt, visit Kate's blog for all the most critical details. To go directly to the sign up form, click here. Check out the wonderful guest authors Kate lined up for us, visit their websites, and purchase at least one book from one of them. Don't forget to purchase books from Kate, Jo, and Gae, too!

Kate is also doing an in-depth series on writing history and historical fiction. Be sure to have both books in her Ranger in Time series if you want to participate. You can read more about it here. 

A reminder of my rules for Teachers Write Sunday Check-Ins:

1. We respect each other and the type of writing we do.

2. We only offer constructive criticism.

3. We are positive and encourage each other at all times.

4. We recognize and maintain this as a safe environment.

Today, in the comments section:

Introduce yourself! 
Tell a little bit about yourself and your writing. 

Tell us your writing goals for this week and for the summer.

Share one thing that scares you and one thing that excites you about writing.

Share something about what you notice with your students and writing.