When I heard Janet and Sylvia were offering a workshop about creating anthologies, I couldn't wait to sign up! I didn't have plans for an anthology of my own, but the opportunity to learn from two people I admire was too good to pass up.
Both workshops, Anthologies 101 and Anthologies 201, have been pure pleasure.Janet and Sylvia set the tone for a safe and welcoming environment. The live Zoom sessions felt like meeting up with friends. Some of the poets were Poetry Friday friends, others became new poetry friends. Everyone was accepting, kind, and enthusiastic.
Anthologies 201 included three webinars. I learned a lot about the many decisions that go into creating an anthology! Even if I decide not create one of my own, I'm much more knowledgeable about what an anthologist might be looking for as they curate poems.
I would have been happy with just the webinars and live sessions, but Janet and Sylvia always pack a little extra something into everything they do!
All of the poets in the workshop had the good fortune to submit three poems for feedback from Janet! Back in the 90s when I first started studying her poems and using with them my students, I never imagined getting to meet her, let alone having her mentor me. Just thinking about it blows me away!
The truth is, I am always really nervous about sharing my poems. But, I knew even if they were awful, my work would be treated with kindness and respect because that is who Janet is. Her comments are gold, and her guidance has helped me become a better writer. Janet is someone who makes you believe dreams can come true.
Sylvia is a kind, supportive, amazing teacher who makes learning fun! I am grateful to learn from her and hope she will teach more workshops online. Sylvia knows poetry and she knows what kids like. She did an awesome job designing the cover of THINGS WE DO! It's a bright, beautiful, high-quality book children will love!
By the way, Janet and Sylvia are donating 100% of the profits for this book to the IBBY Children in Crisis Fund. How cool is that!!!
THINGS TO DO was selected (along with Good Luck Gold and more which I wrote about here) as a "Hot Off the Press" book for October by the Children's Book Council.
I'm so honored to have a poem included in THINGS TO DO. The expression on this little girl's face makes me think she is a helper, and she looks like she might be waiting for someone.
Many of us are looking for ways to be helpers. With the holidays fast approaching, THINGS TO DO would make a great gift while also helping raise money for a very good cause. THINGS TO DO is available on Amazon and QEP Books . It's a book children will want to read again and again.
If you are interested in learning more anthologies, consider taking part in Anthologies 101. You can find out more by emailing info@pomelobooks.com.
Well, I'm feeling a little sad that we're coming to the end of October. It's my favorite month. I love the colors, the smells, the crispness in the air. I wish October could stick around a little longer.
A big thank you to the lovely Linda at Teacher Dance for treating us to the poetry roundup this week!
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
It's my favorite month, too, Linda, & I just watched our weather which has been marvelous this month & coming to an end on Halloween, much colder! Your poem is lovely, showing that young girl we see in the picture. What a thoughtful young woman you've shown her to be. Thanks, and Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. Janet knows how to bring the best out in all of us!
DeleteWhat a delightful poem, Linda. And I can totally see you doing that as a kid! Choose kind. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet, Kat. You made my day! Thank you.
DeleteLinda, this is such a great summary of the two classes led by Janet and Sylvia. And your poem is so wonderful... packed with such great SEL (social-emotional learning) that teachers would love!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. I look forward to seeing you on our zoom next Saturday!
DeleteWhat a wonderful poem! I love it...and have snagged it for my students. We all need a bit more kindness in the world, don't we? Congrats on another publishing cred. Keep going!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement, Linda. I hope your students enjoy the book!
DeleteThanks for this nudge! I love everything Sylvia and Janet do!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz. Yes, those two are amazing!
DeleteCongratulations Linda! You've created such a relatable poem that demonstrates kindness. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Elisabeth. My sons were the inspiration because from the time they were very young, they always held the door open for people.
DeleteThat ending packs such a punch--a gentle, beautiful punch. Congratulations, Linda, on being a vital part of this wonderful anthology!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura. It's always a joy to work with Janet and Sylvia!
ReplyDeleteThe rhyme at the end was just right, helping to accent the meaning of the poem. It is perfect for this audience. It was fun being part of this group with you and everyone!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janice. Your poem and every poem in the anthology is so wonderful! I hope to see you next Saturday on our zoom!
DeleteI loved Anthologies 101 but had to miss 201. I hope it will be offered again. And I love your approach to kindness with its reminder that little gestures like opening a door can mean a lot.
ReplyDeleteThank you, JoAnn. I believe there is another session being offered after the holidays. They fill up fast, but there may still be room for one more! Good luck!
DeleteJoAnn: We loved having you in 101 last August and it would be super to have you join us for 201 in Jan/Feb; if you're interested in learning more about it, just email us at info@pomelobooks.com and I'll give you details.
DeleteWonderful poem, love the message about kindness. Congrats on being included in the anthology!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jama. I appreciate all the kindness your blog brings us every Friday!
DeleteThis is lovely - that poem stops me and I imagine it stopping a child in the same way. We *know* how to be... sometimes we just need a little reminder. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tanita. I think we are born knowing how to be kind, but like you said, sometimes we need a reminder. : )
DeleteEXACTLY, Tanita! We all need those reminders to be helpful and kind — and this poem does the job perfectly in less than one minute!!!
DeleteWhat a great poem, Linda. The ending is so powerful!
ReplyDeleteI missed out on the Anthologies webinars but plan to sign up for the 101 session being offered in January.
Thank you, Carmela. I know you'll love Anthologies 101! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLinda, your poem is so reflective of a child who is kind, a trait we all need to find in each other. I love the title and the photo that makes your poem so inviting. Thanks for sharing Janet and Sylvia's video. I missed that last week. You are so right about Janet: "Janet is someone who makes you believe dreams can come true." And you spoke volumes about Sylvia's creative nature as a person who knows what children like: ABC poems with a 2 page cover reveal. Thank you again for sharing. I missed the Anthology webinars but that is how my life goes lately.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. You are always so supportive with your comments. I appreciate your kindness.
ReplyDeleteLovely, compassionate poem Linda, and congrats on having your poem in the lively book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle. It is a beautiful book!
DeleteYour voice really comes through in this powerful poem, Linda. You are so talented! I was very happy that you were able to join us for both Anthologies 101 and 201. Sylvia and I are now considering offering a 301 simply because we enjoyed our 201 group so much!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet. I can't express how much your encouragement means to me. Anthologies 301? Oh, I hope so!
DeleteI agree that this book needs to be in classrooms and libraries! Congratulations on being a part of this wonderful anthology!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lee. By the way, I really enjoy reading your poems because they are always so full of heart!
DeleteI love reading about all the positive poetry power shared within Sylvia and Janet's anthology groups. I haven't been able to participate, but appreciate the sneak peek inside. Your poem, with kindness front and center, is so accessible and meaningful. I'll be sharing it with my students. Congratulations on being a part of this anthology.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Every poem in THINGS TO DO is so wonderful. I hope you have the opportunity to participate in one of the anthology groups. Janet and Sylvia pack a lot of learning in the workshops.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem, Linda! The feeling you get inside when you help someone really comes through with just that simple "My brother charges by but I don't mind..." My copy of Things To Do is on order! I'm sorry I missed Janet and Sylvia's anthologies workshops. Hoping I can join in this winter.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rose. You will love the book, AND you will love the anthologies workshops!
DeleteThank you, Linda, for your supportive post and for being a fun member of our Anthologies family! We have loved collaborating with you in so many ways over the years. You have such a kind, gentle spirit and positive attitude-- and it comes through in this lovely poem once again!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sylvia. Your encouragement and support means so much!
ReplyDeleteI love your poem, and the workshop sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth. The workshops were wonderful. I'm hoping they offer more!
DeleteI'm so excited to be in a book with you. I love the choosing of kindness and to be at the library.
ReplyDeleteJone, I'm excited to be in a book with you too! I can't wait to read all the poems!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity! I'm sorry to have missed it, but delighted to hear the highlights. I can't wait to check out this new poetry collection (and love your suggestion to give the book as a gift).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. Yes, the book would make a great gift! I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDelete