some random writing thoughts

A conversation started on the teen writers group forum about protag POVs. Usually, I just observe the converation, but this time I decided to jump in. Interestingly enough, several of the female writers discussed how they prefer writing using male protags, while I confessed that I have a rather hard time w. any protag who's not an extension of me on some level. Their reasoning behind their POV choices was equally interesting.

I seem to be getting back to my nonfiction roots, even though I'm still not writing it (not creatively, that is). I've been missing teaching creative nonfiction. I'm thinking very seriously about starting some workshops to do just that. There doesn't seem to be any good reason or excuse holding me back.

This morning I also read a draft of a short story that my twin brother wrote and sent me. I'm getting very good at responding to his stuff, and giving him the same level of insightful feedback that he so often gives me, despite the fact that our writing styles and genres are so different. In this story he was exploring student-teacher relationships, so I guess I was a good person to show it to. And speaking of, I really wish that I could give my students the same kind of attention and depth of feedback that I gave to this particular piece. This is the last week that I have time on my hands, and there was no stack of drafts underneath his waiting for my feedback. With 60 students, I just don't have the time or the energy. And they have so much more that needs attending to, given the level of complexity that they're being challenged w/ for the first time. I've got to find a way to give it to them and not lose my sanity or collapse from exhaustion all at the same time.

I have decided this week to sleep as late as I possibly can, since next week I live and die by the alarm clock again. That's not to say that I've not been setting an alarm all summer long -- I've just been pressing snooze a lot more. I usually wake up at a decent time. Getting out of bed is a different story. And today, I've decided, will be my last lazy day of the summer vacation. I'd like to spend the day in retreat -- journaling sounds really good, in fact.