Quote to Share

A friend of mine recently placed a post-it note on my desk with this quote... it was very sweet and inspirational so I thought I would share:

"Fear is the only obstacle that gets in the way of doing what we love. People are scared to travel, to try new things, to follow their dreams. Fear holds us back from living the lives we were made to live." -Unknown

~* Writing Wishes *~

I just submitted my writing wish to a group of 5 god sisters! No really, I did! Every year, a group of women who call themselves Fairy Godsisters, Ink get together and offer a scholarship to one lucky writer. The award amount would be $1,500 and it is used to help that lucky winner travel to the Los Angeles Summer SCBWI Conference. I have not been able to attend any of the huge conferences yet but have always wanted to go. Needless to say when I discovered this lucky chance I was extremely excited!

The contest ended today and it required a 250-word essay about why I could benefit from attending the conference. It was sent via e-mail and I will know in exactly one month on May 15th if my wish is granted! *Keep your fingers crossed!*

Creatively yours,

Kat

For the Story...

Life is a novel laced with pure irony. Irony is what draws us into the story and what keeps us turning the page, usually writing as we go along. But we only get one draft, and a good book is never long enough. So don't hold back for fear of permanent mistakes. It's important to remember that even though you can't take back chapters already written, you can re-read them and learn from your experiences... absorb the knowledge so that when it comes time to write that next page, you won't make the same mistakes. Along with that, learn to realize how precious each page is and how important those words you sprawl across the page really are. Remember that the mistakes usually end with the best stories. And above all, live each day as if it were your last page... your final chapter and chance to share your story. Do it for the irony....the little moments; the tears you hold back, and the laughter you can't; for the likes that somewhere along the way transform into love. Do it for the adventure. Live your life; and above all do it for the story.

Just wanted to say...

Happy Easter everyone!

Have a giggle packed and jelly bean filled weekend!

Creativly yours,

Kat

Erin Gruwell Coming to ESU!

I just found out that a woman who I have looked up to for a very long time is coming to ESU! Her name is Erin Gruwell and she proved through her work as a teacher that writing CAN change lives! I have looked up to her for a very long time and when the video Freedom Writer's was released I practically wore out the DVD! Needless to say, when I got the memo on my desk stating that she would be visiting ESU (campus where I work) on April 28th I was very excited! This is also, coincidentally, my 21st birthday! Who could ask for anything better!

For those of you who don't know who Ms. Gruwell is, let me indulge you! Erin began her teaching career at Long Beach High School in California and entered a very tough and divided school. The kids who entered her classroom were claimed to be "unteachable," but this didn't stop her. Through a series of events and by sticking to her beliefs, hopes and stubborn personality... Erin helped all who entered her classroom and together they learned the power of words and their effect on all of our lives. Her students and she compiled stories that would later be published as Freedom Writer's Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them. These same 150 students (who were thought to be lost cases) went on to graduate not only high school but most pursued further education. All because one teacher chose to believe in them. This amazing story was eventually created into a movie, Freedom Writer's. A good movie to watch it you haven't already!

What I love about Erin is that she found hope in a place where there as little, and a story where there was thought to be none. She found a way to prove that each and every one of us is living out our own life stories and they are worth telling. Writing is a powerful thing, and words CAN effect other's lives. I know the student's of Ms. Gruwell's class had a powerful effect on my life. I am very excited to see her! Of course, I will take pictures and post them here! If you happen to be in Emporia and are interested, the event will be happening on campus in the Albert Taylor Hall at 7p.m.. Ms. Gruwell will be giving a speech and speaking about her experiences as well as her thoughts on becoming a catalyst for change, teaching tolerance, and nurturing the leader within.