I always hated, and never believed, that old chestnut that teachers are people who cannot actually do what they teach–nonsense! Teachers are those who share with us the technology (so to speak) of the art or craft they have fallen in love with. They want to share with us what they love, share the how-to and the mystery of it.
They become educators when they draw out of us our desires to pursue a field to the limit of our ability, usually thanks to their support, inspiration, and ministrations of technique and method.
As a working journalist, story performer and more I want to share with others what I have learned and to inspire others to follow their dreams in whatever field they desire–esp in
writing and story performance. Yep, I talk and write for audiences. It’s that simple!
This month I have had the opportunity to be a teacher and to share my love of these two modes of communication on Donna Washington’s Blog, in Ruby for Women Magazine (writing only in that one. March starts a three-part series for those who want to get started in writing) and here, on this blog by reminding you that I have two new publications out this month–My children’s book, Rosa’s Shell and my book of poems, Languid Lusciousness with Lemon.
PS Today the literative.com site has one of my writings up as the prose winner of their winter contest!
Do check it out!
I’m happy to come and and talk to your school or group about writing (for adults, for children, poetry) story performance (or to give a story performance!)
Please do contact me and let me know if you would like me to come! Those who do, if they are fortunate enough also share what they know by teaching!
Posted in adults, Book Reviews, Books, books YA wartime veterans, Children, children, Children, Writing, Performing, Book Reviews, Food, cookbook review, cooking with children, creativity, directoing, Food, food, gardening, parenting, recipes, soup, vegetables, HIstorical fiction, humor, Joan Leotta, children, performing, writing, food, recipes, creativity,, librarians, pre-school teachers, kindergarten teachers, parents, parenting, fathers, daughters, mothers, daughters,, marketing, mystery, national poetry month, Perfomring, plays, poetry, real people inspire books, recipe, school libraries, short stories. picture book, short story, shrimp, speaking in schools, speaking to schools, stage, storystorm, talking about picture books, THEAQLLC, Women;'s ficiton, Writing, writing, Writing in england, writing prompts, writing tips
Tagged book clubs, creativity, libraries, picture books, poetry, reading, school, speaking, story performance, teaching
So, I am rarely at a loss for an idea so decided this would be a good way to organize my thoughts for the new year and give me marching orders for a series of new picture books.
Two days into it, already more than two ideas, but the discipline is a very good one. Also trying to channel creativity into a new haiku start each day.
Posted in children, Children, Writing, Performing, Book Reviews, Food, cooking with children, creativity, food, gardening, parenting, recipes, soup, vegetables, HIstorical fiction, humor, Italian Americans, Italian heritage, Joan Leotta, children, performing, writing, food, recipes, creativity,, librarians, pre-school teachers, kindergarten teachers, parents, parenting, fathers, daughters, mothers, daughters,, marketing, performing, plays, school libraries, short stories. picture book, speaking in schools, storystorm, talking about picture books, THEAQLLC, Writing, writing prompts, writing tips
Tagged children, libraries, parents, picture boks, school writing talks, storytstorm, Writing
Picture Book by Joan Leotta
Posted in Book Reviews, Books, children, Children, Writing, Performing, Book Reviews, Food, creativity, Food, gardening, parenting, recipes, soup, vegetables, HIstorical fiction, Italian Americans, Joan Leotta, Joan Leotta, children, performing, writing, food, recipes, creativity,, librarians, pre-school teachers, kindergarten teachers, parents, parenting, fathers, daughters, mothers, daughters,, marketing, short stories. picture book, Writing in england
Right now I am in a hold pattern. I am waiting for the illustrator to do her magic, conjuring up the images that will bring my words to life for young readers.
I thought while we were waiting I would answer a question that many people ask of authors–how real is this story?
Like WHOOSH!, this story was inspired by a real afternoon in my life. Yes, there really was an Aunt Mary. Yes, I did watch her make soup from the ingredients in her garden! Yes, I did help her gather those ingredients.
Aunt Mary passed on many years ago. She was the mother of three of my wonderful cousins, John, Diane, and Ernie.
Diane sent me these photos of her Mom to share with you.
Here is the real, wonderful, lovely woman who inspired Summer in a Bowl:
Posted in adults, Books, Children, Children, Writing, Performing, Book Reviews, Food, cookbook review, food, HIstorical fiction, Italian Americans, Joan Leotta, children, performing, writing, food, recipes, creativity,, librarians, pre-school teachers, kindergarten teachers, parents, parenting, fathers, daughters, mothers, daughters,, real people inspire books, short stories. picture book, Women;'s ficiton, Writing, writing, writing tips
What Editors Want You to Know 