One Who Writes: A Writing Manifesto by Leigh Anne Eck

I have been writing since I was a little girl, but I have not always called myself a writer. I thought being a writer meant you had to publish a book, that you were an author.

It wasn't until I became a writing teacher that I realized being a writer was simply...

one who writes.

And being one who writes became just as important as one who teaches.

When my #TeachWrite Chat team decided to write manifestos, I dug deep to examine my true beliefs about how I defined being a writer, especially a teacher-writer.  For me, they are one in the same.  They are connected, and now, I cannot be one without the other.

This challenge of writing a manifesto was not easy.  Putting it out there for everyone to see was even more difficult.  When we name our beliefs, they become attached to us.  When we write them down, they become stronger.  And when they become stronger, they become a part of who we are, for all to see.  So, here is who I am as a teacher-witer...for now.

This I believe:

Writing is hard which makes teaching writing easier.  This does not mean that teaching writing is easy, but I know teaching writing was much harder when I did not write.

Writing is a solitary act.  It is one mind, one pen, one story.  This doesn't mean writing cannot be shared; it just means sharing is not required.

Writing gives me a chance to reflect.  Much of my writing is reflective, especially writing about my teaching.  I work through problems; I celebrate successes, and because I write, I become a better person.

Writing is a constant state of composition.  I find stories and writing ideas everywhere and at any time of day.  I may not physically write my ideas down, but I am always thinking, wondering, and observing - a constant state of composition.

Writing needs to be visible.  My students don't always need to see my words, but they need to see me in the act of writing.  They need to know I go through the same struggles as they do.  I fear the blank page.  I make mistakes. I revise, revise, and revise.

Writing needs to be fearless.  It is scary to put our words on paper.  We become vulnerable.  When we become fearless, we become empowered.

I am a writer because I am simply...

one who writes.

This month, the #TeachWrite Chat Blog will be sharing the Writing Manifestos of our community. What do you believe about being a writer? Would you like your Writing Manifesto featured on this blog?  Are you interested in writing for us at another time? Fill out this Google form and we will be in touch with a date for you to submit your post.

When Writers Rule the World: A Writer's Manifesto by Angela Stockman

When writers rule the world, we’ll start our days with story.

We’ll scramble up small moments as we sip warm cups of tea.

We’ll seek conflict resolution over tubs of shared Crayolas.

We’ll value facts and treat them carefully.

We’ll show, not tell our feelings.

We’ll revise like it’s an art.

We’ll apologize and mean it, honestly.

When writers rule the world, we’ll choose our words with great intention.

We’ll draft, reflect, and edit brilliantly.

Earlier this week, I was invited to share my writing manifesto in this beautiful new space,

and this gift could not have been delivered at a better time. It’s easy to forget why we do

this thing we do when we’re buried in it.

And I’ve been buried in it, lately.

So here’s what I remember about my writing self tonight: I believe that everything and

everyone are great big works in progress, that drafting never ends, and that our words carry

weight, even when we feel small. Especially then.

I write to clarify my thinking.

I write to share it sometimes, too.

I try to write things that will help.

And once in awhile, I do.

This is enough.

Angela Stockman is a writer, a teacher of writing, and a professional learning

service provider. She lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband John, her daughters,

Laura and Nina, Remy the rambunctious Labrador, and her sweet cat, Girard.

She’s written three books, a whole bunch of blog posts, and a bit of fiction that

will never see the light of day. You can follow her on Twitter. She’s @AngelaStockman

there.

This month, the #TeachWrite Chat Blog will be sharing the Writing Manifestos of our community. What do you believe about being a writer? Would you like your Writing Manifesto featured on this blog?  Are you interested in writing for us at another time? Fill out this Google form and we will be in touch with a date for you to submit your post.

My Writing Manifesto by Jennifer Laffin

On Monday, Michelle shared her Writing Manifesto with our #TeachWrite Chat audience and inspired me to write my own.

It's interesting to stop and think about what we believe about a topic. It's hard to do, but worth it.

So with that thought, I share My Writing Manifesto:

I believe that the more I write, the better I get at writing.  I may not make it to the page every day (despite my best intentions), but writing as often as I can brings about the best growth.

I believe in really horrible first drafts. A wise person (who I can't remember right now) once reminded me that you can't edit a blank page. Just get the words down.

I believe that revision is where the magic happens. Author Melissa Stewart reminded us in our Twitter chat on Monday night that first drafts are like an old house. Sure, the house is fine and does its job, but sometimes we want it better. As we remodel the house to make it what we want, we are in essence doing the same thing to our writing when we revise. I love that idea!

I believe in the power of a good pen! Right now, my favorite pens are InkJoy Gel. I mean, who can resist these colors? (I can also thank Michelle for this love affair.) They make me happy when I write.

I believe that teachers who write make the best teachers of writing. I could write pages and pages about this, but if you are a teacher-writer, you know what I mean. If you're not, please start.

I believe that sometimes writers have to give their ideas time to percolate. Ideas that I love usually don't just pop into my head fully formed. Sometimes, they are just a whisper that I need to let rest until its ready to fully reveal itself.

I believe that ideas for writing are all around us, we just have to notice them. Writers notice things -- whether it's a conversation between two people at the grocery store or the way your little dog snores when she's having a good dream.

I believe a writer can never have too many notebooks, even if they go unused.  This may be another addiction I have, but one I can't blame Michelle for.

What would you include in your Writing Manifesto? Leave us a comment and share! We'd love to hear from you!

This month, the #TeachWrite chat contributors and a few special guests will be sharing their thoughts about being a teacher who writes. Check back every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to join in the conversation or sign up on the sidebar to have our posts delivered directly to your inbox.

We are inviting our #TeachWrite Chat community to add their voice to our theme for January and to have their thoughts published on the #TeachWrite Chat blog page.  Are you interested in writing for us? Fill out this Google form and we will be in touch with a date for you to submit your post.

A Writer's Manifesto by Michelle Haseltine

A manifesto is a public declaration. This is my manifesto about my life as a writer. These are my beliefs about living life as a writer. There are moments that I live up to the ideals in this manifesto and there are moments where I don’t. To me, the importance is in declaring it and working towards this.

I believe a writer shows up to the page every day.
I believe writing is messy.
The first step is leaving it all behind on the page.
The rest is cleaning it up and untangling the mess.
I don’t believe in writer’s block...it’s all in the work, in the showing up.
I believe there are days when 20 words are considered success.
I believe that tools matter for the writer.
I believe in the enchantment of pens and the lure of the notebook page.
I believe thinking and talking are vital steps in the process.
I believe procrastination has a magic where words and ideas are actually percolating.
I believe every single person has a story to tell.
I believe that every word has a place and a purpose.
I believe a writer must claim the title of writer.
I believe in writing.

What do you believe? Take some time to write your own manifesto! Share your ideas in comments...

This month, the #TeachWrite chat contributors will be sharing their thoughts about being teachers who write. Check back every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to join in the conversation or sign up to have our posts delivered directly to your inbox.

We are inviting our #TeachWrite Chat community to add their voice to our theme for January and to have their thoughts published on the #TeachWrite Chat blog page. Are you interested in writing for us? Fill out this Google form and we will be in touch with a date for you to submit your post.