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Non-fiction / Discovering My Voice, Again (Analysis)
Inspiration often enters our lives from places we never expect. As a creative writing teacher at Forestbrook Middle School, it is my job to inspire young people everyday. I find joy in stirring young minds, and feel blessed to get paid for it! Each student who enters my classroom touches my heart in a different way. Some have taught me patience, some have shown me how to laugh at my worst day, and some have created memories that will last a lifetime. This past quarter, I met a student who completely turned the tables on me; he inspired me!
Several years ago, I decided that I would apply my creative mind to something that was tangible, something that would last. I sat down and began writing a book – a memoir of sorts some might call it. Unfortunately, a lot of it was too personal, and made the people around me uncomfortable. After months of work, I put the book aside. Instead, I surmised, I would create a work of fiction; a novel no one could personally be offended by. I diligently researched my setting, topic, and characters. Night after night, I sat in front of my computer, pounding on the keys. Eight chapters, five graduate classes, and several semesters of teaching later, I let life get in the way of my passion; I put the book down.
When Wade entered the doors of my creative writing class, I had not written a word in over a year. I spent my days inspiring others, and had lost all passion for my first love: writing. Writing is ingrained in my nature. Removing that part of myself left me shattered, in ways I never realized until Wade walked into my life.
From the first assignment, the creation of an original fairy tale, I knew I had a talented writer on my hands. But it took a few weeks for him to trust me enough to confess that he was writing a novel. I encouraged him to bring it in. The next day, he appeared with over thirty pages (front and back) painstakingly written by hand. From the first word, I was hooked. We soon fell into a comfortable rhythm of typing and editing his draft that has helped his novel evolve into, what is now, a 25,000+ word novel in progress. The class he was in has since ended, but he faithfully comes to my room for at least thirty minutes a day to continue his book. His talent level continues to amaze me. After observing his unwavering dedication, I realized that there was no good excuse not to write. So, I quit hedging; I dusted off the cover of my laptop, and began writing again.
I owe the rediscovery of my voice to a thirteen-year-old boy.
I began small, writing book reviews for a local magazine. While some might consider those writings insignificant, I found a renewed spirit, and began taking more chances with my writing. I submitted an essay for Sasee’s Woman of Character contest. When my submission was chosen, I could no longer pretend I wasn’t writing. People I’d never met began approaching me, and my husband. As soon as my husband realized I’d started writing again, he went to the local bookstore (which is a small miracle in itself) and bought me journals and writing books. On my thirty-second birthday, he presented me with a woven leather journal inscribed:
I want to give you an inspiring gift of confidence. I want to support you the
same way you have supported me. I truly believe that you have a gift for
the written word. It’s the way that you write so passionately that inspires
me. Whether you take this journal and finish one of your books, start a
new one, write some poetry, or make the best entries about a beautiful,
successful woman that a journal has ever seen…do me a favor, WRITE
and do it from your heart.
This vote of confidence was the support I needed to break free of my inhibitions. I kindled a friendship with a colleague of mine, Robin, who is an immensely talented writer. We started a local adult writers’ group, and joined an online writing network. We support each other through encouragement, editing, and goal setting. As a poet and memoir author, she brings a fresh perspective to my writing, often pointing out things that I would never think of. Like joining a gym, becoming a writer is a much more successful adventure if you have a supportive partner.
I work on my novel on a daily basis, and share my progress with my fellow writers. Allowing others to read your work and critique it is a brutal process. Exposing your heart and soul to a stranger might be a less painful experience. But, it’s necessary for growth, and I am determined to continue to nurture my written voice. Rediscovering my voice has not only renewed my passion in the classroom, but has forced me to take time to appreciate the little things in life. I notice things, things I’ve ignored for years. The gratitude I hold for Wade, my husband, and Robin cannot be expressed in words.
As for Wade, I was heartbroken to learn that he is moving to Taccoa, GA at the end of this school year. For now, we are working on getting as much of his novel completed as possible before his move, and preparing him for the daunting task of submitting his manuscript to publishers once he is finished with it. My hope is that he will continue to write, and submit his work to contests and publishers. I am comforted knowing that he has an extremely supportive mother who has gone the extra mile to help him pursue writing. Without a doubt, I know that, one day, I will stand in line to purchase his first published novel.
And me? I’m laughing more, inspiring better. Most importantly, I’m writing.
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Tattered_and_Torn reviewed Version 1 -
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This is really good Ms. Necessary.
All I had to read at the begining was the inspiring student part and new that it was about Wade. lol
I agree with you completely. I started writing a novel and got up to chapter 3 and then quit because due to life and school and everything. I hope to get back to it, but I don’t think I can until summer. I want to thank you because you have helped inspire me along with Ms. Lewis and Wade. So thank you.
I will definetly be coming to Creative Writing on Wednesday.
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curlyq reviewed Version 1 -
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Mrs. Necessary, I have one word for you. Beautiful. I am truly touched that you wrote a piece about Wade, for he is talented beyond what anyone expects from a 13 year old boy. He makes you want to smile from his dedication, from his love to write. It radiates to you. Every time you read a piece of something Wade has writtin you seem to feel better about yourself, and better about what you write. Which is an odd thing for a writer to feel, especily after reading someoneelses piece of work. We cant all be talented writers like Wade, but we all can love and appriciate somone elses dedication and love. You have done that through a four page story, a feat in its self. I encourge you Mrs. Necessary, to keep writing no matter who is there to encourage you, Wade or no Wade. As for the critique part, when you iclude what Mark wrote to you, Please put it in quotaions it is easier to read.
perfct2u reviewed Version 1 -
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This is certainly a very positive view you have written this piece in. It is difficult when your life takes over and you must step away from something that bring passion into you and inspires you, as writing has. This is a wonderful narrative piece that does answer how you re-discovered your (writing) voice. And I agree with your husband, write. Whether it is one sentence about your day because that is all the time you have or whether it is the novel you have been working towards. As long as you keep writing you are fullfilling that passion that is in your heart.
martykate reviewed Version 1 -
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Writing is ingrained in my nature—true for so many writers. I’m glad you included this.
I do not have anything critical to say about this piece. I love the evolution of your not writing anymore, to being inspired by a 13 year old who helped you unknowingly discover your muse.
Your mention of your friend Robin who reads and critiques your work struck a chord with me. I did not really realize how important it was to have someone to workshop with. Likewise your husband’s dedication in the journal he bought you was very moving.
Good luck with your novel. I think every writer on Urbis and elsewhere should read your piece.
DallasS reviewed Version 1 -
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Mrs. Necessary- Wow.. That was very touching and deep- I can definitely see that published. Why not take it to like the Sun News or the Herald if you don’t get published for winning the contest.
I never knew that you didn’t write for a whole year- I thought you were always “pounding on the keys.” I agree, Wade is very talented and can cause an inspiration. The title was perfect.
When I read it, just like your essay for SASEE, to me, it sounded like a speech that you could’ve given and won the grand prize. You apparently, truely discovered your voice again.
It’s hard to criticize this as much as I loved it- I think you could give more details in your 3rd and 4th paragraphs when you talk about how Wade’s writing affected you. What his novel is about, and how helping to edit his writing, made you finish your own.
One of the best non-fiction pieces I’ve seen on here- I think you could do great writing pieces like this. Definitely try what I said though and submit it to Sun News or try Sasee again just as a little essay that they might publish.
Wondering_Hazel_Eyes reviewed Version 1 -
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That was so passionate! That inspired myself just as I knew would because you write such moving pieces. That was the most interesting 4 pages of non-fiction I’ve ever read in my life. I love how you mentioned what was engraved into the journal and how you told me that Wade got you back to your true passion, work put aside. That inspired me so much that I believe I want to write again.
tornwings reviewed Version 1 -
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I really enjoyed reading your story! It was great and I am glad you are an inspiration that child! I can definitely see this in a magazine! I didn’t see any pesimistic undertones at all! I think you should keep it up, pushing yourself is the best way to leard and grow! Thank you for the request!
tornwings
1234ktt reviewed Version 1 -
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who is the student Mrs. Necessary
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