Well, we are halfway through the Slice of Life Challenge, “sponsored” (not sure that is the right word), by the Two Writing Teachers website (an amazing resource for those of you who are writers or teachers of writing), so let’s check in and see how we are doing.
#hippie
Let’s not get carried away! 🙂
In these 18 days:
- I’ve managed to write more than I have in months, which is huge. My “writer’s brain has not been working as I wanted. It’s not that the content isn’t there. I’m a teacher. The content is ALWAYS there! 🙂 And it’s not like I forgot to write. I don’t always feel good about the product, but the words are there and when I sit down, I seem to be able to produce. So, what is it? If you know, tell me, because I’m out of ideas.
- I’ve managed to reconnect with some really awesome people! My commenting skills are suspect and I’ve been guilty of the whole “post and run” thing. I’m not proud of it, but it happens, especially when I post late at night (writing schedule).
- Since I started this on the 15th, I can tell you with certainty why my brain isn’t working. I never realized how much my writing dependent on my mood. My mood was garbage Sunday and yesterday for a variety of reasons (grades, computer not working, generally not feeling well, etc) and guess what, my “halfway” post didn’t get finished! When that happens, my writing goes out the door. Between that and a non-existent “schedule” of writing, suddenly, I’m not a writer!
- I love looking at statistics. Whether basketball, football, or WordPress, I love seeing how my writing impacts people. It’s always fun to be reminded of how others are impacted by the seemingly simple things that we write. I’ve had belly laughs, and tears, along with a wide range of other emotions, many unexpected, as I read your slices. Thank you for being such amazing writers!
- I rediscovered that I can write for long periods, so I wonder, why can’t my students? What is keeping them from being “writers”? I come across blogs or writings from previous years that are just amazing! I had a former student give me a shout-out, talking about how much she loved our writer’s challenge and how glad she was that I pushed her to do more! I loved our informal Slice of Life Challenge, but know that anymore, it wouldn’t fly, which makes me sad. They don’t have the writing stamina, and honestly, they don’t have the imagination either (and we’ve tried!).
- And finally, I love the fact I get to read and comment on so much quality work. I have missed seeing good writing and I’m sure that’s one reason I’ve been down on my own. So thank you for being consistent and being great writers. A long time ago, I’d tease myself about the drivel that I write, but as I read your slices, I aspire to be the writers that so many of you are today.
So, just a little of my “learning” over the past 18 days. We’ve got 13 days left to keep plugging through so I’m excited to see what these upcoming days bring for all of us!
The Life of a Conflicted Teacher 
March 18, 2025 at 4:52 pm
So many connections to your slice- yes to writing more this month than all year, yes to being a stats nerd, and yes to figuring out how writing challenges can help students. Your “post and go” comment made me laugh.
March 18, 2025 at 5:06 pm
Like you I feel like my writing this year isn’t my greatest. Or maybe it’s more hit & miss? I also feel like I’ve been writing about the same topic this year, but I can’t help it. I’ve been trying to find new inspiration but somehow I always end up writing about my family. The “post and run” thing is something I’m guilty of doing too this year. At least during last week. I’m doing better this week. I’ve enjoyed reading your Slices this year and like always the hashtags are always going to be my favorite part of your writing.
March 18, 2025 at 5:57 pm
A lot of your observations rang true for me. I’ve had a difficult time making myself write in the time between last year’s challenge and this year’s. I didn’t seem to have the stamina myself, and didn’t feel like I had the material. I’m no longer in a classroom full time, so I have a little less classroom material to draw on. I, too, look back on some previous year’s writing and think, “Hmm, I’m not really getting better with age.” It does feel good to have gone 18 days straight with posts. I’m not looking at my statistics, but I seem to be compelled to click on the AI generated feedback. It’s rarely helpful and rarely gives me any praise. It tells me to use headings, more sensory details, and write a more thorough conclusion. I don’t think it really “gets” the slice of life.
Keep at this. Lots of people are benefitting from your writing.
March 18, 2025 at 6:38 pm
In the last few months, I written a lot when I haven’t been in a good place to write. I’m finding that stress propels me to write more, even if I only write for myself. (Whether anyone wants to read post after post about stress is another topic altogether…) But I’m finding that writing it is helping me to deal with it better.
As for writing stamina, I ask that same question about almost every subject area. I wonder if students are so used to the games, to the flashy effects, to the “prizes”, that they struggle to read a story, complete math problems, or work on a science project. This is an area I think schools (and parents) need to do a better job on.
Thank you for sharing.
March 18, 2025 at 7:23 pm
This daily writing thing always scares the life out of me as I reflect on DOING it BEFORE DOING it! But then, year after year after year, just like Donald Graves said, the more I write, the easier it gets and in fact the more I have to say. Thanks for sharing!
March 18, 2025 at 6:52 pm
So much of what you shared I can relate to. I am writing much more which makes me much happier. I forgot what it was like to let myself get lost in my writing. I also love connecting/reconnecting with so many wonderful writers who provide me with so much inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
March 18, 2025 at 8:02 pm
I really appreciated all that you’ve reflected on here. So many things to celebrate! Glad to be in community with you.
March 18, 2025 at 10:04 pm
Thank you, Vivian! I appreciate your kind words and the fact that we can write together! 🙂
March 19, 2025 at 9:55 am
I respect that you have taken time to reflect. I have not had the energy nor time to reflect, except for accepting that I do the best I can right now. It’s the awesome community that makes me return every year.
March 19, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Agreed! I’ve grown to enjoy what this community has to offer and hope that my small contribution is somehow helpful to someone! 🙂