Growing with Gray
I was extremely fortunate to be invited for a second writing residency with the Grade 6 students at Gray Academy (plus, I got to see some familiar faces among this year’s Grade 7s, too!). The residency tied into the novel-study of an amazing book – “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli. The students thoroughly enjoyed the book and were eager to plunge into its themes and characters. I love it when a book lives beyond its own pages, don’t you? You feel as though you carry it inside you somehow. Stargirl certainly has this quality, and it was exciting for me to be a part of that “living story” journey with you.
What I looked forward to most about coming to Gray every day was how engaged and interested you all were in the writing process itself. We filled our time together not only learning tips and techniques for writing, but analyzing and appreciating how Jerry Spinelli brought his own story to life. Story is so much more than plot, isn’t it? It’s about drawing the reader in with the senses – not just the intellect. It’s about character conflict and using punchy, juicy words that show more than they tell, making you feel instead of simply witnessing…see? This is why I love writing!
We had so many wonderful discussions about writing as an art form – too many to list here. But one of my favourites was when you raised something that you have observed – that reading and writing can connect us to others and deepen our sense of empathy. WOW! I certainly learned a lot from your perspectives and see my residency at Gray as a time that I myself grew as a writer.
You did a great job on your stories, from first draft through final draft, with each iteration showing growth and development.
I understand from your terrific teachers that many of you are using the techniques we practiced together – I’m so glad and honoured that I could play a part in your creative writing journeys.
I certainly hope we meet again – all the best until then!
Karin 🙂
