monique polak

Monique Polak's Books

1 minute reading time (252 words)

Cooking Up a Story

Yesterday, I did the first of three writing workshops at Hebrew Academy here in Montreal. I'm working with six Grade Five students -- all girls, and all eager to write! In my one-hour session, I spent a little time on writing tips, but then we moved into brainstorming. That's because I'm hoping by the end of our third week, the girls will have written a story, to which they'll each have contributed two short chapters. I don't want to tell you too much about our idea until it's ready, but in our story, six girls will get trapped together in a mysterious location. We talked about the kinds of girls who could be characters in the story. Someone said (I can't remember if it was me, or one of the students) that we should have a character who has a  positive attitude. I was impressed when after that, Jordana (one of the students in the workshop) said, "Well then, we need someone negative." Very clever, Jordana! Characters who are opposites (we call them "foils") help to move a story along. I was also impressed when we were discussing how to portray a shy character and Eliana R (I mention the R because there are two Eliana's in  my group) suggested the character could "hide behind her bangs."

My six students sure have a lot of energy. Plus it's clear that for them, writing is FUN!! And you know what? Sometimes a 50-year-old professional writer like me needs to be reminded of that!!

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Comments

Guest - tamar on Wednesday, 02 June 2010 14:32

hey miss p!
been a while since I have been on here
when are you going to HA next? I am asking because I work there!!
I also know which Eliana you are speaking about- she is very bright- you will like her a lot!
be in touch

hey miss p! been a while since I have been on here when are you going to HA next? I am asking because I work there!! I also know which Eliana you are speaking about- she is very bright- you will like her a lot! be in touch :D
Guest - Jordana Marciano on Monday, 07 June 2010 18:21

hey monique,
it's Jordana! Thanks for writing about me on your blog.
BTW, it's monday june 7 2010.
Sorry I wrote so late.
TTYL











































hey monique, it's Jordana! Thanks for writing about me on your blog. BTW, it's monday june 7 2010. Sorry I wrote so late. TTYL
Monique Polak on Monday, 07 June 2010 19:05

Hi Jordana, I think YOU got the dates mixed up! I wrote this entry last week after our first workshop... I just posted a new blog entry for today!
And Tamar, I'll be back at your school next Monday at 2:30. Can you come by to say hello?

Hi Jordana, I think YOU got the dates mixed up! I wrote this entry last week after our first workshop... I just posted a new blog entry for today! And Tamar, I'll be back at your school next Monday at 2:30. Can you come by to say hello?
Guest - kaylee on Monday, 14 June 2010 19:57

Hi Monique
its kaylee from the workshop
i wanted to know your email because i have a problem but ill type it here
i want to read what world is left but the book isnt at the library and they dont have it in coles any suggestions?

Hi Monique its kaylee from the workshop i wanted to know your email because i have a problem but ill type it here i want to read what world is left but the book isnt at the library and they dont have it in coles any suggestions?
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