For BIPOC Storytellers: Origin Story, Pt 2
Once I had the opportunity to lead a class of my own, I drew on lessons from the past
I thought I was done with writing (especially fiction) when a local playwright recommended me for a high school creative writing position. Even though I’d never taught writing and didn’t think I was interested, I accepted the offer and soon found myself in front of a classroom. As soon as I saw the students, something protective kicked in. Yes, I was a mom and they reminded me of my own kids, but they also reminded me of myself. I knew firsthand how vulnerable even the toughest ones really were and I knew what was at stake for the ones who dreamt of being writers (or any other kind of artist). From that first moment, I decided that my classroom would not only be a place for craft, but a place where writers’ could develop the strong senses of self and the confidence they would need to tell the truth.
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