Economics, Looking Ahead, & March 4th!

Nearly three years ago, I wrote my first Teaching Authors post on a topic we all addressed in turn: "How I Became a Teaching Author." I approached the subject as I usually do: with eagerness, excitement, and a little trepidation.

Today, alas, I'm writing my last post, at least as a regular contributor. I'm teaching at two local universities, I'm active in SCBWI, and I'm swamped with freelance work that I can't turn down. Could it be that the economy is improving? Mine is, at least at the moment. Cross your fingers.

In between my first and last posts, I've been lucky. I've collaborated with the sweetest, smartest, most generous blogmates in the world. I've met (at least online) many clever readers through their thoughtful comments. And I've learned a ton, not only about the topics we posted on but also about myself and my own writing. Having that every-two-week deadline forced me to think fast and then let go, even with (gasp!) my poems. I'm not nearly as scared of posting as I used to be.

I am not disappearing completely! You can still find me on my web site, where I'll occasionally post news, although probably not as often as I posted here.

I'll be teaching "Writing Creative Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults" at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Tenth Annual Spring Writers Festival on Sunday, March 11.

This summer, I'm teaching "Writing Picture Books," a four-week graduate course, at Mount Mary College and a five-day course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Write by the Lake Writer's Workshop and Retreat, "Writing Rhyming Picture Books: A Logical Approach to Sweet Stories, Silly Verse, and Soothing Lullabies."

I'm looking ahead as usual with eagerness, excitement, and a little trepidation. I hope to be back here from time to time as a guest Teaching Author. I wish you all, dear blogmates and readers, the best of luck in your continuing endeavors. I'll keep checking in.

In the meantime, March forth!

JoAnn Early Macken

Announcing Our Book Giveaway Winner!

Wow! What a wonderful, creative variety of learning games our readers have played with children!

Several games, such as Toni's "What's in the Box?" and Moonduster's anonymous stories and poems, involve guessing. Playful quizzes and card games are part of the learning fun for LadyD's piano students.

RambleSAHM's game teaches colors. Carla's Wizard of Oz game teaches both colors and counting. Having fun with the alphabet is the goal for Margo's clay letter creation, Cindy's word creation game, and Looking for the Write Words's "A: My Name is Amanda" game. (I remember that one!)

Thank you to all who entered! And now for our winner: Dara will receive an autographed copy of Baby Says "Moo!" Dara's game helped a grandson with his pronunciation. Congratulations, Dara! I hope you enjoy the book!

JoAnn Early Macken

March 4th!

Where I live on the shore of Lake Michigan, city snow has turned that end-of-winter smoky brownish gray. Everyone I know has lost at least one mitten. Even diehard winter sports enthusiasts grow weary of ice, cold, and shovels before any hint of green decorates the landscape.

One change is visible, though—about this time of year, sunlight takes on a different quality. Could it possibly be brighter? Animals seem to notice. Crows group up and flap around, cawing. Squirrels make desperate leaps to the bird feeders. Owls hoot for mates at night. My favorite season is just over the horizon. I look forward to spring with such relish that I always celebrate the date that feels like its true beginning to me: March 4th.

Get it?

March 4th is more than a date—it’s an attitude. For me, it’s a reminder to take the bull by the horns and take care of business. Blaze a trail and follow it. Harness the horses and plow ahead.

You get it, right? March forth!

Come spring, I keep my eyes and ears open for warblers and orioles. I peer beneath snow trying to spot the first daffodils, walk around searching for snowdrops and crocuses, peek into gardens where scilla spreads. Any day now, we’ll all surrender to one of those glorious afternoons when everyone rejoices in the world and we all leave our jackets on the playground. Troubles seem trivial, problems feel petty, and all we want to do is drop everything, run outdoors, and soak up the sunshine.

Now is the time to pick up your pen or your paintbrush or your hammer. Plunge ahead with determination. Join me—and the wrens and the wildflowers—and celebrate spring, the season of renewal and opportunity. March forth!

Writing Workout

Think up your own personal holiday and write about it. Answer these questions:

• When would you celebrate your special day?
• Why did you choose the date you chose?
• What would you call your holiday?
• How would you celebrate?
• Who would you invite to celebrate with you?
• Where would your celebration take place?