dialogue

These are NOT dirty words, but words upon which America was founded and flourished. (I know a little about that since I’m a direct descendant of Patrick Henry.)

I spent my entire fifty-year career in public education as a high school English teacher, a high school principal, a school district superintendent, a deputy associate state department school superintendent, and as an university professor. In addition, I served twenty years as a school board member in a large suburban school district. Fact. Not intended to be bragging. Just fact.

During my fifty-year career, my name was often etched in desks and scrawled on bathroom walls with obscenities. Folk repeatedly critiqued me, argued with me, and sometimes even dissented. When I was on the school board, parents, students, and teachers often confronted me in our public meetings, in the grocery store, or at a football game. My daughter’s friends vociferously objected to a parking policy I endorsed. When social media took off, I was frequently chastised by the members of the greater school community.

I’ve borne my fair brunt of criticism–perhaps deserved. Yet, in my defense, I listened. Because I listened, sometimes I changed my mind. Because I listened, I KNEW I wasn’t as smart as I thought! Because I listened, I apologized when I knew I was mistaken. Because I listened, I, not only learned a lot, but I became a better teacher, principal, superintendent, professor, and school board member. (I dare not say a better parent!)

Given the events of this last week or two, I’m astounded by the national movement of: MY WAY IS THE ONLY WAY. Or in other words: YOU’RE FIRED.

november_2011_by_kriegs-d4e8baw

Familiarly known as NaNoWriMo, is an internet opportunity in which both professional and amateur authors attempt to write a 50,000-word novel in thirty days. Now if November isn’t busy enough with Thanksgiving, holiday shopping, and decorating, thousands of folk embrace this endeavor. I have a friend, who teaches full-time, has a family, and has engaged in this foolishness for the last three years. Quite frankly, I admire her stamina because I personally couldn’t stand the pressure. After all, timed tests freak me out.

td6b

Early in July, I decided to write a novel. Believe me, it’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. It has consumed me, kept me awake at night, and even driven me to speak in dialogue. Sue admonished her labradoodle, “Lexy, Sue doesn’t like when you bark.” At first, I thought I was crazy; then, I realized I was still scripting in my head.

4046321-writers-block-quotes

I’m a tad over four months into my novel, and to date have written 77,199 words. Though loosely based on my experience, I’ve spent hours researching and reading to give the book a bit of authenticity. Thankfully, my brother, who conceived the original idea has provided invaluable assistance in forensic dentistry and tweaking and twisting the plot line. We anticipate the first draft will be completed by mid-December, necessitating another three months or so of revising and editing.

new_writers

Believe me, this is not the great American novel. It won’t make the best seller’s list, nor will it be picked up by a TV producer or professional publisher. It may be read by five or ten of my family and friends. Yet, my attempt has broadened my experience; it’s pushed me out of my comfortable, lazy existence and kept me off the streets!

Whether I’ll ever work this hard again, I doubt it. But I certainly know I will not be a participant in NaNoWriMo. Dr. Suze lacks self-discipline and persistence.

137959-Happy-November

Dr. Suze Espouses

Discourse, Disagreement, and Dissent

National November Writing Month