Go Jump in the Lake

Go Jump in the Lake

Go Jump in the Lake Many writers find themselves stopped before their first sentence by the question, “Where should I begin?” The problem with that question is that while there are right and wrong places for a piece of writing to begin, it’s backward to assume you’ll...
The Worst Beginnings

The Worst Beginnings

The Worst Beginnings I thought I’d start a blog post with an example of how not to begin—but I decided I’d lose your attention before I even got to the explanation. With that in mind, if you want to make sure you aren’t choosing some of the most clichéd and dull...
Which Details Matter?

Which Details Matter?

Which Details Matter? It’s easy to recognize when a child has edited their writing. Instead of a rambling story that jumps oddly from one apparently unimportant moment to another, you get—a rambling story that jumps oddly from one unimportant moment to another … with...
Garden Tales

Garden Tales

Garden Tales Last summer, my 3-year-old discovered the joys of pulling fresh vegetables from the garden and eating them on the spot. One day, he found a bed full of carrots and pulled one up immediately. When I saw him eating it, I couldn’t figure out where he had...
Parents Enter Here