I found this thought from Mo Willems (via Jenn and Jill’s post).
“As a writer, what advice would you give your younger writer self?”
I decided to widen it a bit and give advice to my “younger” literary self.
- It’s ok to not like the books others like.
- Stop pretending. Mom knows you’re faking it.
- Ask to be read to. It’s not just for little kids.
- Ask for help.
- Take that Shakespeare class.
- Don’t listen to your short story professor. He’s a frustrated writer.
- Don’t worry so much.
- Take more art classes.
- Memorize poetry.
- Pursue your passion. You will eventually, you might as well start early.
- Offer help.
- Re-read.
- Travel.
- Ask for help.
- Don’t be afraid of poetry.
- Write every day. No one will see it but you.
- Be patient with yourself.
- Find mentors.
- Get a cat. They make good company.
- Take pictures.
- Ask for help.
- Listen.
- Offer help.
- It’s never too late.
- Remember, there is room for you. You are good enough.
Thank you, Anna, Beth, Betsy, Dana, Deb, Kathleen, Stacey, and Tara of Two Writing Teachers Blog for Slice of Life Tuesday. You and all who post and comment Tuesdays, provide for my past, current and future literary self. Read more slices here.
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To Read To Write To Be 
Nice idea for a blog post! I especially enjoy #10 and in my opinion you can never go wrong with #19. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t know, Julieanne! This sounds like good advice for me TODAY too! 🙂 #6. I’m right there with you. It was my rude poetry professor who always told me I was wrong. I LOVE each and every one of these. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Thank you!!
Lovely list, and not too late to do many of your pieces of advice, right?
Kevin
Julieanne,
So many great choices. Love #21 – Ask for help and your growth mindset in #25 – Remember there is room for you. You are good enough!
Wondering what your students would do with this idea . . .
This is a great list for anyone. Especially thinking about myself as a reader after listening to Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s latest video. I especially love the last one…listen to that one.
Ask for help and offer help….I wish I could tell my younger self that too! Both are so important!
This is great advice. I like that you emphasize ask and offer help. It’s important not to be afraid to admit you don’t know something and to be able to help when others need it. I also like pursue your passion. So important.
This is a great list to give to a person at any age. I have struggled with number one for years.
Love this list! The advice doesn’t get old.
#24 and #25 – especially!
I love your advice! (Except for the cat. I am allergic to cats. I do have a dog sitting here, though.) 🙂
Love love love this! #1,15, and 24. Can I just say that you always have the greatest slices? And reading and exploring poetry has been so great with my 4th graders this year- because… I decided not to be afraid!
So much is revealed of your younger self through this advice. Love the repetition of “ask for help.” We all need to remember that.
Ask and offer help..always good advice for every age.
I love this post with so many wonderful nuggets of advice. This is one idea I need to think about. Thank you for the inspiration.
I love this post so much! Your last one especially hits home. What beautiful advice and an insightful reflection.
So beautiful, Julieanne. I can’t even choose a favorite, because they are so beautiful as a collection.
Missed your post last week. I need to remember #16 and #25. #20 I’ve got. I stopped by to send my niece a link to your SOL on Oct. 6. I copied it and wanted to share it with her. Happy Monday!