Not much writing happened today, but I did attack other parts of my assignment. We are to read 10 books and complete an annotated bibliography, where we discuss craft elements of the book. Last night I stayed up until about midnight reading Gary Schmidt’s novel, Okay for Now. Wow, just wow. I had to save the last chapter for today, because it was so late. I’m glad I could give it my full attention. This book is fantastic (my review doesn’t begin to do it justice.) By the way, Gary is a faculty member at Hamline as well. This program is money. I actually met Gary Schmidt a few years ago at Calvin College’s Festival of Faith and Writing in Grand Rapids, MI. He signed a copy of The Wednesday Wars for me.
As I probably mentioned before, my wife is also writing a book right now. A few days ago she got stuck. Then she started reading some books that were related to her topic, and she had renewed inspiration. I think the most prevalent writing advice I’ve heard comes down to two things: read, and write. Sounds easy, but not many people do it. That’s even the advice that Kate DiCamillo would give her younger self. (I totally met Kate, by the way. You’ve probably heard of her, since she just won her second Newbery Award, and was recently named Ambassador of Young People’s Literature.)
This is why, of course, I was so tickled by an episode of New Girl, in which Nick Miller claims that he’s a writer, and, “Writer’s don’t read; we write.” In the same episode he says, “You can’t teach writing.”
So, when I’m not writing, I’m trying to read. Which is kind of awesome, because I haven’t made time to read in longer than I care to admit. And reading is amazing! Remember? I do, now.
I haven’t done a ton of schoolwork today, but that’s okay, since I kicked butt yesterday. Today the girls and I went to church, and then out to breakfast with Grandpa Brett. Then we did some serious playing in the snow, since it was around 20 degrees instead of, you know, zero like it has been lately. Once the girls had their hot chocolate, I could finish reading and then write this post. Not a bad day at all.
In church I learned that today marks the first time that the Super Bowl has been held on Groundhog’s Day. That’s interesting, but I’m still sort of boycotting the Super Bowl since my 49ers lost on the last play of the NFC Championship Game. Maybe I’ll watch. I did put a couple of Peyton Manning questions on my last math test (for extra credit,) and one girl commented on her test, “Why are you obsessed with Peyton Manning?” If the 49ers were playing today, I’d be wishing a career ending injury on him (or, at least a curse that made him throw 5 interceptions in the game – even so, he’d still probably find a way to win.)
Go Broncos, I guess?
…i am dumb for not realizing yesterday was groundhog’s day?
Anyway, i had all these good intentions about writing yesterday, but instead i played some Halo with my bro, and it was awesome
Time with family is never wasted time. You seem like you’re already in a pretty good place regarding your packet.