This book has provided a great set of writing starters for my 10 Honors Writers’ Workshop. We haven’t attempted 55 word stories of our own yet, but we’re reading them in class and discussing what makes each story work, pondering word choices, and deciding if there’s really any conflict/resolution. Students have written prequels and sequels to several stories, and they seem inspired to write whenever we use one as a starter. Now they’re asking me to add the book as a literature circle choice and requesting that I read a few of the stories if we have a few minutes before the bell. Too cool!

I’m surprised that I’m getting so much from this text. I bought it on the strength of Ralph Fletcher’s (Just love him!) introduction without realizing that it is, primarily, an elementary school resource. I figured I’d read through it one time before I mailed it to a friend that teaches elementary education classes at U. Maine. Much to my surprise, I’ve gotten some ideas that have worked really well in my 10th grade honors English Writers’ Workshop.

While I certainly don’t tell my 10th graders that they’re using techniques from an elementary school resource (that would be too uncool), whenever I roll a new idea out, their response and their writing has been quite good. If you’re looking for fresh writing workshop ideas in a workable format then give this text a try.

Dingo by Charles de Lint

This has many of the elements that I love the most from de Lint’s writing: shape shifters, cousins – both corbae and canid, travel between worlds, new relationships, and open minds. The dingo sisters remind me a bit of the Crow Girls, my favorite Newford characters, but they seem a little closer to human on the human/cousin spectrum. The Aussie connection to de Lint’s Dreamworld mythology is a really nice touch which keeps the story fresh. If you’re a de Lint fan, step through the baobab tree and enjoy.

Jeff is an amazing ventriloquist, and he’s really funny, too. I love Peanut! He’s not exactly politically correct. Hmmm. Maybe that’s partially why I like him! When Peanut and Jose Jalapeño on a Stick started arguing, I just snorted with laughter. Watch this DVD when you need a good belly laugh.

You can preview Jeff’s work on YouTube. I’ll be watching for his new show on Comedy Central.

I ran across this brew in a little pub in Williamsburg this summer. I drank many pints while at a conference and was so surprised to find it regularly on the shelf at my local Publix. This is a good all around beer that has nudged my prior every-day beer, Blue Moon, into second place. The price is right and the taste is great. It goes well with popcorn, fish, steak, heck…I like it with almost everything!!

Tip a cold Leinie back and enjoy the day.

I really enjoy reading Robert Crais books, and I generally enjoy audiobooks, but this series is unevenly enjoyable. The best of the three is Voodoo River. The other two are OK, but nothing to write home about. I’m not sure that I would have re-read these books, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a second consumption (even in audio) wasn’t a great experience.