Once again a blog post of Micheline’s has got me thinking –and writing. Perhaps she (or one of her faerie drawings) is my writer’s muse. Or maybe just my blogger muse…

Anyway, I thought since Mich shared her early artwork I would do the same with my writing. Not very original of me, I know but as you’ll read below, I draw my inspiration from wherever I can get it.

There are three school writing assignments that still remind me of the joy of writing and the pride of completion. I’ll share the first two now but I’ll have to leave the last for another blog ‘cause it’ll need it’s own page to explain. Besides, isn’t suspense one of the tools us writers rely on?

So, my first pride was a story I wrote in grade three or four. It was called The Million Dollar Egg. I don’t recall the premise (although I know I had one) but the story was about a giant egg filled with a million dollars that rolled into town.

I don’t recall the ending either (sorry) but I’m pretty sure the whole thing was “inspired” by some book I read. If my story rings a bell for you, let me know –I’d love to give the author kudos.

My second (and to my thirteen year old mind, biggest) achievement was a book report I did in grade eight on Gone With the Wind. The book report was several pages long (no double spacing).  Rather than summarizing the book I decided I’d retell the entire book in rhyme. I don’t recall the whole thing but the first verse is indelibly etched in my mind:

Scarlett O’Hara wore a low cut green dress
Though mammy was suspicious, she couldn’t care less
Her plans neatly arranged inside of her head
Were the result of many hours thinking in bed

Yeah, I know some of the rhythm is a little clunky, and technically speaking “were” should be “was” but man was I proud of that piece! I spent ages writing it and it was my first really ambitious endeavour with rhyme.

So that’s one and two for me. If you’re at all curious about No. 3, tune back in later. As an added bonus I’ll also include advice for encouraging your own kids as they write. I won’t promise results but I think it’s helped my kids with their writing awesomeness. Then again, they may just be responsible for their own awesomeness…

~ Trina