I don’t understand.  I adore writing, and I have no shortage of material.  In fact, I came across my blogging notebook today.  Page after page full of great ideas I have not yet written.  I also came across another binder of writing projects, as well as my writing portfolio from one of my favorite writing classes, a class I took at Delta College nearly a decade ago.  What to do with it all?  It is time to bring it all together.  Why is it so difficult for me to write consistently for long stretches of time?  Why did I abandon poetry again?  I came across some wonderful pieces.  Pieces that need a home.

Then there are the larger projects.  Mom and I need to finish her series of children’s board books, abandoned nearly nine years ago.  I still love them.  Over the last several years, I’ve toyed around with the idea of writing a book about the canoe livery.  It is time to put in the research.  I need to interview my parents and former employees before it is too late.  I do not want those stories to be lost, even if they are never published.  There are simply too many good ones.

So, what is getting in the way?  Quite simply, life.  Accepting a position as a 10th grade English teacher at Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA) back in August, I’ve been busy.  While I subbed at MCVA most of last school year, I am now a full-fledged faculty member who hadn’t yet experienced the start of the school year – and all that brings (I started in early October last year).  In other words, I’m now getting back to finding time to write.  Just because you have prepared for a new school year in a brick and mortar school does not mean that you know the ins and outs of preparing for a new school year at a virtual school.

One highlight of the school year is creating an official high school creative writing club.  I am passionate about it.  So far, I’ve been able to create a safe online space for students interested in creative writing.  As a club, there are no academic expectations.  We are writing for the sheer creative power of it.  By the way, MVCA offers a creative writing course as well.  This … this is something different, something special.

Thus far, I’ve curated websites that might help budding high school creative writers.  I’ve also shared my favorite quotes and books on writing.  There is space for students to share their work amongst themselves.  I can’t imagine what I would’ve done with those resources, all online and free, and such a nurturing community.  The best part is the enthusiasm of my students.  I’ve watched them form fast friendships over favorite music, video games, books, movies, and more.  They are so supportive of one another.  I can’t wait to see all that we will accomplish this year.  That includes getting back to my own writing.