Noticing Newbies
This week: Jumpstart Muse with Card/Letter Writing Edited by: Sara♥Jean More Newsletters By This Editor
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Jumpstart Muse with Card/Letter Writing
Have you ever gotten into writing cards or letters? And no, I don't mean emails or ecards - I mean taking a blank card or paper and really pouring your heart out to someone on that space by hand. Honestly, I hadn't until recently.
This past month, I was faced with a forced move. I find myself in a situation, here, that I have never been in before - I actually want to remember these people! I have friends and students that I don't want to lose track of. For the first time ever, I was told that I wouldn't have a job the next school year BEFORE the current school year was over.
I've never had to say goodbye to my co-workers and students before. Usually, I resign and move during the summer, so I don't need to deal with goodbyes. Yes, I am a bit of a coward when it comes to those sorts of things, but I have also always felt connected digitally, so it hasn't been an "issue", so to speak.
Faced with something new, I decided to try something else I'd never tried before - writing cards and notes. I've never been much of a card or note writer. I always sort of considered it... obsolete, so to think. With the internet, blogs, emails, and everything else, I just didn't see the point.
However, for my friends, and for every student, I wrote this week. I wrote a card to each of those on campus who have touched me in a special way, and I wrote a note to every one of my students on the back of the awards that I gave out. (Silly awards that we do every year - the students nominate each other for several random things, taking care to be polite and kind. I stick it all into a funny sentence, and give the award out. Some of the kids who have NEVER heard a positive word from their classmates because of bullying or picking get a chance to hear positive things that their classmates said about them. It is incredibly powerful for those kids.) I have never seen such a reaction from my students before. Sure, I have given the awards for 11 years, but they simply didn't have the impact they did on the kids this year. That little note added everything.
The co-workers that I wrote the notes for, they are keeping them somewhere special.
I started thinking about it - there is a woman who writes a card for me every month or so. I keep those in my Bible, they are very special to me.
But, despite my long story (sorry), that is not the point to this newsletter. Within all of this emotional-type writing where I have had to say goodbye repeatedly to those whom I have come to really love, I have found myself yearning to pick up my pen (or type on my keyboard) in a more creative manner, again. Writing the letters and notes to those I care about spurred up a longing for writing that I haven't felt in quite some time.
I never expected that to happen.
So, I offer the suggestion to you. If you are finding yourself stuck, try writing some letters to those you care about - pour out some things that maybe you would never say, but is easier to get out on paper. Even if you never send them, writing them may jumpstart your muse and give you the desire to write more. And after all, when our muse is frozen, writing more is exactly what we want, isn't it? |
Remember to leave these newbies some encouraging words. Even if you are a newbie yourself, your opinion matters, and it is a great way to practice writing.
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Responses from "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (January 29, 2013)"
sonnydinger said,
"Hi Sarah,
Sonny here, I like your concept,,
But I have no time to start just now,
I'll be back soon to try it,
Thank you
Sonny"
Well, I'm glad you like it! I hope what I showed in that newsletter helps you get accustomed to WdC.
blunderbuss said, "Thank you Sarajean for this newsletter. I had not realised that there was a random list available for requesting a review. Good, clear explanation and much appreciated.
If I could get anyone to explain what those stats mean for the items on my Portfolio (readers of same)I would love to know. I look at them - but they don't mean much!
I am so glad for showing you something new! That ability is actually relatively new to the website, so everyone is still getting used to it. I think it was an absolutely amazing addition, though.
As for the stats - which ones do you mean? I'd love if you could give me an example. Usually the stats have to do with who has viewed your portfolio or items, but with more details, I could be much more specific in my answer.
2serious wrote, "I'm grateful for your five things post. The encouragement and support newcomers receive from experienced writers is heartwarming. "
I am so glad I was able to help out! And yes, the veterans here can be very, very helpful to newbies. Track down an veteran, or ask in a newsletter, if you ever need help!
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