Leaving My Writing Comfort Zone by Shannon Anderson

When I started teaching, I thought I wanted to stay in first grade forever. I loved the age and innocence of the kids. After all, first graders are adorable, love school, and think their teachers know everything.

Now in my 24th year in education, I’ve had experience in kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as teaching college-level education majors. There is definitely something wonderful about teaching every grade level and working with all of the different students. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience this if I had stayed where I was comfortable.

I’ve found that to be true for writing too. When my first picture book came out, I thought that was the only genre I wanted to write and publish. Picture books are beautiful and have a fun, young audience. I assumed I needed to stick to what I knew best.

After doing multiple school visits, I had more and more older students asking what books I had written for their ages. Challenge accepted. I wrote my first middle grade nonfiction book and a middle-grade novel. Then, I started exploring other genre possibilities.

I’m currently working on a Christian memoir for adults as well as two books for teachers. The next project I want to try is a chapter book series. When I teach my current 3rd-grade students, we don’t just write personal narratives all year long. I introduce them to poetry, informative writing, letter writing, and opinion writing, among others.

As young writers start to explore and learn about different kinds of writing, they figure out what they enjoy and what else they’d like to try next. It is through these trials and experiences we can grow to appreciate a variety of genres and improve our craft.

Life would be pretty boring if we only ate our favorite meal every day. If you find yourself stuck in a writing rut, or have never branched out to a different genre, try out a new one. What you learn may enhance your current projects or you may find a whole new form you enjoy.




Shannon Anderson is a children’s book author, third grade teacher, and national speaker. She’s the regional advisor for the Indiana SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), is the vice-president of the Indiana State Literacy Association, and was named JC Runyon’s Person of the Year for her work writing books for kids with social and emotional issues. You can follow Shannon on Twitter @shannonteaches or sign up for her free newsletter on her website: Shannonisteaching.com.

Finding the Time and Place By Shannon Anderson

As a mom, teacher, and children’s book author, I’m often asked how I find the time to write. I think it’s like anything else you’re passionate about. If you love to run, you’ll find time to build it into your schedule, whether you’re on vacation, the weather is crummy, or you’re too tired.

When my daughters were younger, it was tough to figure out just how to build in that time. If you’re a writer, you know time “writing” isn’t always just the time composing your story, poem, or book. There’s a lot of learning and researching involved. For that part of my writing, I listen to podcasts when I’m running or driving, I bring my mentor texts with me in the car, and I read books about my topic before I go to bed every night.

Once my daughters became teenagers, I transformed their playhouse in the backyard into my writing cottage. It’s the perfect spot to get away and have no distractions when I’m in writing mode. No dishes are beckoning, no phone is ringing, no TV is on in the background, and no dryer is buzzing. I’m surrounded by silence and books. There are a comfy armchair and footrest, a writing desk, and various books, cards, and pictures that inspire me.

In the house, it’s too easy to notice the dust as you search for the perfect way to say something. It’s too tempting to watch that movie your husband is enjoying instead of work on that chapter. And, there are way too many opportunities to make a snack or bake instead of finishing that rough draft.

If you’re able to clear a quiet space in your basement, spare bedroom, or shed, I highly recommend it. You could even go off to school in the evening to your empty classroom or a coffee shop. It’s hard enough to find the time to write, by finding a place you can focus, you can make the most of that time.

Shannon's Writing Shed

Shannon Anderson is a third-grade teacher and award-winning children’s book author. She’s the regional advisor for the Indiana Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a frequent presenter at writing and teaching conferences. Shannon lives in Indiana with her police chief hubby and two teenage daughters. Her newest book, Monster & Dragon Write Poems will be released on July 31, 2018.  To sign up for her free monthly newsletter go here: http://eepurl.com/c-1SSf or to learn more about Shannon, visit www.shannonisteaching.com.