Fletcher Checks In #3

We are getting to the point where I will only want to answer questions out here on the blog...at first, when there's only one or two of you, I can personally answer questions, but I prefer to answer questions out here so that everyone can see it...that way, I can answer once and be done with it. More efficient. By the way, there are 37 people signed on to the blog, and 8 open invitations. Pretty big.

Remember, to earn extra credit, you need to write or comment. Being signed up is not enough. But also, the difference between 12 points and 15 points is not really a game changer, so you can wait until the last week of July and still get extra credit.

I love what you're doing out here. So far, most of the posts have been pretty interesting and thoughtful. Good job.

Here's some good advice: Keep track of your blog posts and comments. I am keeping track, but sometimes I think, "Did I count this comment?" When somebody goes back and comments on something I've already read, it can get by me. I guess I should set it up so that comments are emailed to me...but just in case I miss one, keep track.

I am teaching at Cal State Long Beach's Young Writer's Camp. I have kids ranging in age from 12 to 18, which makes for an interesting mix...especially the 8th grade boy/11th grade girl thing. The boys are kinda goofy, which I love, and they still seem innocent. I heard one guy say, "What the h-e-double hockey sticks!?" today.

And this from one of my eighth grade girls: "Guys with British accents are so sexy!"

(Eww.) I quipped, "Oh, you must love listening to that British Petroleum guy explaining himself to Congress then. Have you been watching a lot of CNN?"

Blank look.

Sometimes I teach expository writing at writer's camp, but this year, I have a group doing just straight writer's workshop: free choice, any genre, go nuts. Such a nice break from our focus at school. Overheard today: "I need a beautiful creature with wings and awesome sword skills! Elf? Should I put wings on an elf?"

Later when I checked in with this writer, she made it clear to me that she was thinking of a Lord in the Rings kind of elf, sort of muscular and cute, and NOT a Santa's workshop elf. Duly noted.