A Million Words or LESS?

Everyone who knows me has known that I have home schooled my children since my daughter was going into 1st Grade. That was 13-years ago. She is now a student at Macomb Community College and is doing pretty well.

Today, my younger two of three sons set out on a new adventure. They have entered the formal classroom for their education. A charter school near my home accepted them into their ranks this year. I love it because this school, although public, is able to choose their curriculum and teaches the children a moral focus each month.

 This moral focus closely resembles the fruits of the spirit if you ask me. But, as the principle, Ms. Young says, "We can't teach religion in the public schools. We CAN, however, teach universal moral codes."

Part of their moral focus grade--YES they get graded on this--is whether they show up on time, do their homework, hand it in on time and their overall attitude and citizenship within the school grounds.

I find it quite refreshing that a school places such high regard on this code of conduct. I'm all for ensuring my children get their schoolwork done on time, walk into class well before the tardy bell, and have already warned them, "If your principle has to call . . ." Of course, these boys are great guys. I'm sure they'll do well.

(I am considering a personal challenge. Each month, I hope to write a short story using the focus topic. I think it would be fun. Who knows, maybe it'll get my creativity flowing again. It's been so tough lately.)  

Who knew, though, that I would be sent away from their school with homework, including a DUE DATE?

I wonder if they know what they're in for. My assignment? "Tell Me About Your Scholar! In A Million Words Or Less . . ." Due date, September 12 (next Monday). Giggle.

I'm excited about their homework assignments for the first day. Getting to know the teachers and the students, they played fun trivia games. Andrew needs to write a paragraph discussing his name, what it means, and how his parents came about naming him. Jason must find five things that represent himself and bring it in to show the class. Due Thursday.


Thanking God everyday for you.

Anna K. Jeffrey
Writer/Editor

Sufficient Grace Writing & Editing Services
southpawscribbler@gmail.com

Why A Writer's Conference?

 For too many years I struggled with the idea that I might be psychologically off as images of people, places, and their lives paraded across my mind. I could close my eyes and watch events unfold; my stomach would twist painfully as emotional trauma pierced the life of those seen only to me. Then over a period of several years I pressed those images and conversations into darkness, thinking there was something inherently evil about them. Unable to suppress them any longer, I began to hear their stories told in such a way that I knew they were begging for someone to listen. It was at this time Nim’s Island came out on DVD and an acquaintance (a fellow writer on Faith Writers) talked about how this movie resembled all that goes on in his head as characters share with him their stories. This sparked conversation with many of us. Some, like me, were relieved to learn we were creatively “normal”.

Later that year, I met these writers at the Annual Faith Writer’s Conference. Until then, I knew I was invisible, had nothing to offer anyone, and would inevitably find myself in a corner watching the activities. This was not the case. I found myself wrapped in the warmth of friendship, inspired by the wisdom of the speakers, fed emotionally, spiritually, and physically throughout the weekend; not to mention the games and fellowship long into the night after workshops ended.


Coming away from this conference, there has been a camaraderie found rarely via the web. Friendships sparked by Faith Writer’s forums were fanned and deepened at the conference. New connections were made. “Shop talk” occurred, but so did talk of family, life, and anything else that sprang to mind.

I have heard it said that while there are other conferences geared for writers. Plenty of professional connections are to be made. Faith Writer’s Conference is still small enough that it is intimate; the perfect place for the “newbie” writer and the seasoned author alike.



 You will never lack for support, both professionally and personally. This experience is, as my friend Lynn said it so eloquently, like walking onto the set of "Cheers," where everybody knows your name. 









If you have never been to a Faith Writer’s Conference, I encourage you to make this your year to come. You can find the information here. The early bird rates have been extended with you in mind.





I guarantee you will have a difficult time saying "Goodbye," when the last critique is read, workshop is taught, or game is played. But you won't regret it.

It's been a pleasure to visit with you.