Today, this author came to our school to speak to kids about ? Well I was hoping it was about writing or about how to never give up in life but I was wrong. I am not saying I did not enjoy hearing him speak for he talked of his childhood and how he got the ideas for his characters but I guess I wanted more this time. I have heard him speak before; last year actually. The kids enjoyed his stories and asked great questions yet perhaps that is what is bothering me the most is the questions asked. I wanted the students to ask more questions about the writing process not just about who certain characters were based upon. Chris did a good job of telling how he blends different stories of people he knows into a rich character or plot of a story. He did tell about how when he can't get past the first two chapters of a story he stops and tries from a different perspective of the character of even form a different characters point of view.
I am hoping that somewhere in that auditorium was a student that felt a spark to write or read a book. Here is a gentleman that is from a small town in Idaho that has been a teacher, a counselor, and now a published author that gets his books banned even in his own home town. To me if I was their age I would thing "WOW!" maybe I can do something cool too!"
I am not a mind reader so perhaps there was one. All I know for sure is that I was not feeling the spark myself. He still is great to listen to and if I have time again someday in my life I am hoping to read some more of his books. In the meantime, I will keep practicing my own writing skills in this class.
Is Chris from your town? What types of books does he write that are banned? Why are they banned? Sounds interesting. I wonder what the regular teachers had their students write about after hearing him speak? That would give a good indication if he actually 'inspired' students. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteCarrie,
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering the same thing--what town is Chris from? I noticed in his book "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes" it was set in Spokane which was nice--a glimpse of home (or close to it). That's too bad you weren't feeling the spark from his talk. Hopefully, as you said, some of the kids were inspired. I personally really appreciated his writing style and think he has a lot to offer young people.
I think there are days when someone is inspiring and other days when the spark isn't there. Perhaps he is a better writer than speaker. I know that we all have different tools to express ourselves. I think perhaps you were trying too hard to be inspired. The other thing that I have noticed is that some students may not look interested at the time but there is something that they picked up that spoke to them which may become apparent later.
ReplyDeleteHe's from Cascade Springs, isn't he? I love each book I've read by Chris Crutcher. I wish I could've heard him! I just finished reading his autobiography for a lit class. He seems like he has a great sense of humor. Does he?
ReplyDeleteHe is from Cascade Springs,Idaho. He writes what I would deem contemporary fiction books.His books are about issues that many do not like to talk about -child abuse, discrimination, bullying etc. and are told from the victims and others perspectives. His books captivate the reader and are very difficult to put down. He has a great sense of humor that is comes out in his writing and in person.
ReplyDeleteAfter rereading my psot I realize that I did not sound as impressed as I was hoping to be. Upon reflection I think it was becaus3e I was the one hoping to be insprired and for some reason was not. Maybe I wanted to hear what the magical potion is to become a great writer (outside from what we are learning form the book. I did enjoy hearing him and will continue to be a fan of his writing.