Slice of Life Challenge Day 1This month, I will attempt to write every day. Last year was easier because I was taking classes and I was already spending most days writing for class, so the habit came naturally. This year, the challenge of writing every day is different. My habits are different. My focus has changed. I used to wake up early and spend some time on my computer. I blogged A LOT. I would blog about my photography, my crafts, and I sometimes still blog about things I teach and projects at school. (Feel free to check that one out if you are interested in art teacher stuff). Now I am spending that early morning time eating a healthy breakfast and sleeping a little longer. I used to spend time on my planning period reading blogs and writing---sometimes I would get so involved, I would stay at school until nearly 5:00, lost in a post, getting it just right. Now, if I'm SO tired by 2:00 that I can barely function, let alone eek out something creative. At 3:07, when I hear the wheels of the janitor's trashcan's echoing in my hallway, it is an omen....I need to go home! My priorities center around not procrastinating essentials at work and home....making time for reading and not wasting time on social media. I'm hoping this challenge will spark my love of writing again. I just finished a great little novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gainman. At the end as he is thanking those who helped him finish the book in the acknowledgements, he says "In Sarasota, Florida, Stephen King reminded me of the joy of just writing every day. Words save our lives, sometimes." In a nutshell, a Slice of Life story is simply a small sliver of your ordinary life. It’s not the whole, but a slice. The only point to it is sharing a piece of your everyday. I like to try out craft moves, test personification, take a risk with alliteration, or push myself to craft authentic dialogue. I look at it as a chance to try out the things I’m noticing other writers doing. Basically as long as you are sharing a piece of your life, you can’t do it wrong! The only wrong way is to not try. https://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/what-is-a-slice-of-life/
Last year, I focused on these generic tips: Be brief but engaging. Tell a story. Make a point (win sympathy or agreement). Use your senses. Tell about the ordinary. Make it memorable. Trying to blog every day is a challenge. If you are making this your goal, here are a few of my personal tips:
2 Comments
Sherri Swaim
3/1/2016 04:24:20 pm
I really like the idea of TBT and am already looking for my first TBT photo! Thanks for the fantastic idea!
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3/1/2016 05:20:38 pm
What a wonderful first post! I loved how you described how your life and some of the changes. I think that's the theme I've noticed in our school posts this year so far...change and how it's affected us. I look forward to reading your posts this year (and using lots of your tips!). The kids were so excited you were blogging!!!
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Mrs. Mitchell
This is my 'slice of life' blog. Archives
March 2020
My Art Teacher Blog:
This Little Class of Mine CategoriesOther Slice Blogs:
For Good I Like Big Books Life is a Slice The Cardinal Way KochUnaSlice YouWannaPieceofMeBlog Dr. Zornes' Slice of Life Sunshine Rays Two Writing Teachers Favorite Everyday Writer: Reesie Writes |