Writing 12

We met in the language lab today to write/edit/create. We have Patrick Lane visiting on Wed. See notes below. Since we have a visitor, I will collect your two poems at the end of the class. Don't let me forget!! Make sure they are typed, titled, and have your first and last name near the top. Thanks.

VISITING AUTHOR EXPECTATIONS

Wed. Oct. 5^th in period 5, we have the good fortune to have Patrick Lane visit our class.

The purpose of these visits are to expose you to the best writers in the country so that you begin to make connections, introduce yourself after the reading, network, get inspired, buy their books, find out who influenced them, what they are reading, how they edit, does writers’ block exist, how do you get published etc.

Expectations for the Writing 12 Students:

·        

A    Arrive on time.

·         Take notes. (You need to include quotations in your response).

·         Engage the visitor and make him or her feel welcome.                                                                                                         Let the author know that you appreciate their valuable time.

·         Body language: please sit up, look at the author, listen, laugh, cry, etc at appropriate intervals. Don’t sit there like sticks. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t put your head on your desk or eat while the writer is reading. ETC.

·        Make sure you have read at least 5 poems, (Google Patrick Lane) so that you can have a serious discussion with him.

·        Finally, having authors visit our class is an essential part of the learning we’ll do this year. It’s an incredible privilege as these authors respect you and your intention to learn the craft. They will not treat you like students. They will treat you like writers and that kind of respect is something you need to cheer yourself on when the blank page feels ominous and overwhelming.

Response to the Visiting Writers: /20

1.      You have a handout entitled Larissa Horlor. You may use that response as a model. These responses may be informally written (but edited properly) but should use specific detail from the reading (including quotations) and offer your opinion of how what you heard will influence you as a writer. / 10

2.      You also are marked on you performance during the class. Are you listening, offering responses or asking questions. Are you questions interesting? Are you questions based on what you are hearing or on what you have already read? Are you questions helpful for us as writers? Are you really listening? Are you looking at the writer? Smiling now and then? Laughing or commenting on the readings? / 10 If you are absent for one of our visiting writer presentations, you must attend an extra literary event outside of class within two weeks of the initial deadline. Thanks. 

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