In the last little while I have presented lessons over Skype. The first was in Georgia, USA, and the second in Utah, USA. It was a delight for me to face a group of children and give a talk. I find that working out what is important and what I want to impart helps focus some of my thoughts in a very positive way.
The first group comprised 6 and 7 year olds. We talked about stories and I gave them some ideas for making their own stories more interesting. We talked about detail and how adding detail makes the story live for the reader. 12 and 13 year olds made up the other group. This gave me much more scope to get into some of the nitty gritty of writing. We talked about the 3 act format and how that works. And then I ran through the steps taken in writing my novels. With the emphasis on editing, of course.
It is a wonderful program. Microsoft set it up. Teachers, writers and other people with information to share, can post the lessons they would like to present. Teachers can send a request for any that they find interesting. The presentations are voluntary.
Next up? Saudi Arabia. I will be talking to a girl’s class. They are learning English. I’m excited about the experience.
If you have an expertise that you would like to share, check out the site. It’s quite the experience.
(G.Rosemary Ludlow 17 December 2018)
