What better day than Dr. Seuss’s birthday than to celebrate how I’ve been living a creative life? And though I haven’t been writing in the drafting-a-new-book sense (my favorite kind of writing), I’ve been immersing myself in the creative life in other ways.
The reign of school visits ended last week. In less than three weeks, I taught eight writing workshops to more than 200 students, ranging from grades 4 to 7. This particular workshop is about where story ideas come from and includes a guided writing/thought exercise where the kids come up with their own story ideas. They never cease to amaze me with their thoughtfulness and creativity. The workshop is about inspiring kids, but I always come out inspired by them!
After one session, a 6th-grade girl walked down the hallway with me and shared a poem she had written about herself. It was lyrical, had a great cadence, and optimistic, a beautiful portrayal of herself. After another, nearly the entire 4th-grade class lined up with their scraps of papers and waited in line for my autograph, totally making me feel like a celebrity. Connecting with young readers and writers is 
magical! Plus, talking with the librarians and teachers who teach these kids everyday is informative and inspiring.
Monday the Connecticut Humanities and the authors and illustrators of THE GREAT CONNECTICUT CAPER celebrated the hardcover and audio release of the book at a local library. It’s always fun to catch up with my Caper collaborators. I haven’t listened to the whole audio version yet, but what I did listen to was brilliantly narrated (listen to the Caper audiobook here).
Of course, I’ve been reading a lot. In particular, I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone of YA and reading adult books and non-fictions. And always, always, always reading to the boys. Last week I squeezed in visiting The Boy’s pre-school class for World Read Aloud Day. I’ll leave you with some of our favorite Seuss books.
You have been busy and productive and you et a huge pat-on-the-back from me, Katie.
Thanks, Mirka!
You have been busy, but a good kind of busy. Sounds like you’ve launched a few young writers. Too bad that class wasn’t lining up with copies of your book to sign.
Well, I did make a few book sales as well.
What a wonderful example you are setting for young people about reading and writing and how much fun it is. Kids are amazing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Beverly! I really enjoy the school visits.
Sounds like a ton of fun! I love your school visit stories. And of course the Dr. Seuss books 🙂
One of these times I’ll have some pics, too! It’s hard to remember to have someone take pics of me presenting.
Your school visits sound amazing, Katie. I love the part where the girl came up to you to read her poem. Kids are special human beings. I always feel it’s a privilege being around them.
It was such a great moment, listening to her share her poem and knowing that she was trusting me with her words. It is a privilege to be around kids.