Years ago (in high school and college) I took Spanish. Â I could understand a lot, and speak a little. Â I listened to Spanish radio in the car, and watched telenovellas on TV. Â But one thing lead to another, and I didn't stay with it after college. Eventually, not having the need or the opportunity to … Continue reading Writing in multiple languages?
Melissa’s Writing
Sharing good news…
I have a poem appearing in a new anthology.  The anthology is a special edition put out by the publishers of the River Poets Journal.  The poems selected for this anthology are all about/inspired by rivers.  My poem is called, "Imperfections Tickle." For more information about River Poets Journal (or information about purchasing the book), click here: … Continue reading Sharing good news…
Time flies when you’re having fun…
As the school busses warm up their engines and the office supply stores prepare for the big upcoming rush, I hear so many people say the same thing..."Where did the summer go?" Â Well, I am happy to report that I know exactly where my summer went this year...to the fabulous Jersey shore and then to … Continue reading Time flies when you’re having fun…
All I Want For Christmas Is You
A while ago (around 14 years ago!) I started writing a short story inspired by the Mariah Carey Christmas song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You." Â Through the years the story has stuck with me and every once in a while I reread it or added a little bit to it. Â I have always … Continue reading All I Want For Christmas Is You
Stop what you are doing and back up!
Please, if you are currently writing anything on a computer (or have in the last few days or weeks or months) and haven't backed it up yet, do so now! I recently lost (and I truly hope with all of my heart this loss is only temporary because of the many brilliant technology minds out … Continue reading Stop what you are doing and back up!
Keeping track of 1,000 words a day…
Keeping track of 1,000 words a day is much more difficult than I thought it would be. Â I have been writing every day, but I haven't necessarily kept count of the words. Â I think that's actually okay, because keeping count at least got me to recognize the threshold of where I wanted to be and … Continue reading Keeping track of 1,000 words a day…
Teaching the Personal Narrative
In the beginning of the school year, we always begin with teaching the students to write about their own lives.  (They are the experts, after all!)  I have taught units before where students write a small vignette (which I always feel is similar to a prose poem – and actually kind of difficult for middle … Continue reading Teaching the Personal Narrative
1,000 Word Pledge Update – Day 6 and Challenge!
I have to say that this has been a really good decision on my part to listen to the advice of others! Â (Pat on the back for me.) Â And, I would like to extend the challenge of the 1,000 Word Pledge to anyone else who wants to finish something that they are working on. … Continue reading 1,000 Word Pledge Update – Day 6 and Challenge!
1,000 Word Pledge Update -Day 4
Today is a "work day" so it is a good test of my commitment to the pledge...and I passed the test! After working all day, I wrote 262 words for the thesis, 735 words for the novel and 315 words for miscellaneous projects (not including lesson plans or blog posts) for a grand total of … Continue reading 1,000 Word Pledge Update -Day 4
1,000 Word Pledge Update – So far, so good.
I think this goal is going to work out really well for me. Â (Two days is a considerable indicator, right?) Â Well, I wrote 601 words for the novel and 409 words for the thesis today. Â That's over the 1,000 mark and now anything else that I might do is just extra. Â I also like getting … Continue reading 1,000 Word Pledge Update – So far, so good.
Melissa Morris Inoa🌱 