Today I have another interesting person to introduce: Debra Eckerling is a writing coach and social media expert. She created Write On! Online (www.WriteOnOnline.com), which is a website and community for writers, as well as a coaching site with the philosophy that writing is exercise: Write On Track LA (www.WriteOnTrackLA.com).
Debra also has a site for young writers: Purple Pencil Adventures (www.PurplePencilAdventures.com). Since writing is a skill that can and should be developed at a young age, every Friday there’s a new Purple Pencil Adventure – a writing exercise for kids of all ages, designed to inspire creativity.
Sample Purple Pencil Adventures:
Restaurant Adventure: Going out to eat this weekend? Why not try writing a Restaurant Review! It can be fast food, a picnic, or fine dining. Eat, enjoy, and then write about it. Be sure to include what you did or did not like about your dining experience: the food, the location, and the service.
Speaking Adventure: Write a short speech - just two to five minutes long - about something you that makes you happy. Remember, it should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. After you practice it a few times, give the speech to a friend or a parent. Even better, find a friend interested in writing a speech too, and then you can present to each other. The ability to communicate well, whether it is on paper or verbally, is a skill you will be able to use in school, at work, and throughout your life.
You Adventure: There are many things successful writers need: talent, opportunity, and an understanding of the craft. Something else all writers need is a bio. I realize it may be difficult to write about yourself. But try. You can always revise. A bio is something you will need to promote and sell yourself, so you may as well get started now.
Write a 300 word bio. Remember to include your background, education, and writing experience. Don't have experience yet? You can always include a success story from a book report or creative writing assignment for school. Everything counts. And you are not going to be graded, so have fun!
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For more writing adventures, go to www.PurplePencilAdventures.com. Become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/PurplePencilAdventures.
Also, Write On! Online (WriteOnOnline.com and Facebook.com/WriteOnOnline) has Author interviews, Reviews, Expert Columns, Contests, and more.
(If you're interested in books you might want to visit http:/
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12 comments:
Debra, what a great avenue for young writers and young wannabe writers. I'll add a blurb in my newsletter about it.
I love this idea, Debra. My own kids are often made to do this kind of thing by their demanding mother :-) and as a result they are all competent reviewers and I reckon they have more fun too since they've learned to think about and synthesise their activities. I'll definitely be sending them to PurplePencilAdventures (reminds me of Harold and his purple crayon).
Thanks for the comments, Karen and Magdalena.
I love your ideas for young writers, Debra. You're an inspiration to so many young people. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much for your comments! So glad you like the site! And thanks, Janet, for featuring me on your blog.
I started using the purple pencil logo with my first writing site, so the title seemed like a natural ...
Thanks for commenting, Kathy.
Debra, I enjoyed having you.
I love the Purple Pencil adventures! My girls are a bit older but both enjoy writing so we'll definitely use these ideas.
I'm sure your girls will enjoy the activities, Mari.
This is such a great idea Debra. More parents and teachers need to know about, too. I'll have to touch base with you about how I might be able to help spread the word. Totally love this and thanks for sharing Debra's PurplePencilAdventures with us.
Thanks, Virginia.
Thanks!
Mari, let me know how your girls like their "adventures."
Virginia, would love to hear your thoughts.
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