WiR, What People are Saying

"These young people learned new skills. They were also able to transfer these newfound skills from writing poetry--the lovely sensory images, rich settings, and detailed characters--to their essays. They learned to appreciate the process of revision, making their writing stronger. What is harder to measure, but every bit as important, are the broad ripples made by each pencil--the grace and inspiration leading toward a lifelong writing journey promising fulfilling adventures."

            -Linda Cooper, Writer in Residence

"This group of young adults (aged 15 to 18) came from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Each one brought something unique and challenging to the table. After a year of intense talking, deep thinking and deliberate writing, they've discovered as much about themselves as they have about writing. I've bored them silly talking about 'muscular verbs,' 'details-details-details,' and 'dynamic titles,' but apparently they've listened. Their wonderful writing proves it."

"Students came to think of themselves as writers. . . . They learned to focus on details and be very specific in their writing, using similes and metaphors--plus many of them learned to care deeply about writing. Witness this remark from a third grader: 'I have learned that writing is a big part of my life now. Before Susan came, I would just sit at home on the couch, but now as soon as I get home, I start writing.'"

            -Susan Virnig, Writer in Residence

"Students were able to write in ways that were authentic, using their real voices along with descriptive details and imagery rather than stereotypical 'poetic' ideals. They realized that if they described what came to mind and what their memories and sensory impulses actually revealed, their poems had a powerful, sensory-specific and even emotional impact on their readers. They realized that poems could also have silly details and be fun to read."

            -Amy McCaffree, Writer in Residence

"I've learned that all of my students are great writers! This program helps me focus on individual writers and on how I can help them improve their writing skills."

            -Classroom Teacher

"I think that I've done better in writing because of this program, because I know how to get more creative."

            -Fourth grader, Opportunity Elementary

"I didn't see myself as a poet, but now I do."

            -Freshman, Barker High School

"Before I thought I wouldn't be a great poem writer, but I learned if you believe in yourself and you put your whole heart into something, maybe, just maybe, your project will turn into a success."

            -Fourth grader, Opportunity Elementary

"I like Susan because she inspired me to write different things other than 'Roses are red, violets are blue.'"

            -Third grader, Garfield Elementary

"I used to think I was a really bad at writing, but I have learned that there are so many different ways to write that I have to be good at least one of them."

            -Third grader, Garfield Elementary

"I learned that you don't only have five senses. You have seven when you're writing. You have feel, smell, see, taste, hear, imagination and heart. Those are your seven senses."

            -Third grader, Garfield Elementary

"You'll be surprised at how much more deeply you get into your writing. It was kind of fun. You will learn a less conventional way of writing an essay."

            -Eighth grader, North Pines Middle School