I’ve always loved writing; these days, it’s how I make my living.
I found my first penpal and began writing letters at age 10; I chose to study Creative Writing when I was at teacher’s college.
Writing for Publication
I’ve been writing for publication for about 20 years now.
I still remember the thrill of discovering that not only did I love to write – but that I could actually get paid for it! Over the years I’ve developed an impressive portfolio, with dozens of articles published in magazines such as For Me (anybody else remember it?!), Christian Woman, Grass Roots, Caravan and Motorhome, Gold Coast Weddings, Signs of the Times, Horses and People, and Writing Australia.
I’ve had press releases, photos and stories in New Idea, Take 5, That’s Life and my local paper.
My work has been included in six anthologies (and counting).
I edited a magazine for 15 years, have written one book, and co-edited another.
So when Mr 21 was still at high school, he came to me for assistance with writing a newspaper article for senior English. I practically wrote the damn thing for him gave him plenty of guidance, and we waited with anticipation to find out his mark.
Professional Writer Fails English!
We were both truly devastated to learn we had received a C minus! (Of course, he has never let me live it down!)
How is it that a professional writer fails English?!
Was this poor mark a result of a teacher with no “real world experience” – and no clue about what is actually involved in writing for publication?
Maybe she was having a bad day?
Or was it because of the personality clash between Mr 21 and his teacher (actually, between most of the students and this particular teacher, from what we heard!)?
Between Years 11 and 12 our son begged to be allowed to change classes and teachers, but we discouraged it. At some point we all have to work with teachers, bosses and colleagues that we don’t necessarily get along with; we felt our son would learn important life lessons by sticking it out.
How is it even possible that I, a professional writer and trained teacher, even with my coaching, Mr 21 only managed a C minus on this assignment?! It’s certainly left us scratching our heads as to how a professional writer fails English!
Have you had any experiences like this with your kids? What would you blame the poor result on?!
Lyndall says
I’ve been there too Janet! When I was studying for my business degree, I asked my cousin, who is a barrister and now lectures in law at a major university, for help with a business law assignment. It was the worst mark of my entire course. Left me scratching my head too! Also, my Mr 13 has a particular teacher who he just can’t get a break with, no matter what he does. Some teachers are amazing, but this one is a real hard ass. He even gave me a hard time at Parent Teacher interviews! Sheesh!
Janet Camilleri says
You hit the nail on the head Lyndall – this particular teacher was a real loony toon.
Hugzilla says
“Between Years 11 and 12 our son begged to be allowed to change classes and teachers, but we discouraged it. At some point we all have to work with teachers, bosses and colleagues that we don’t necessarily get along with; we felt our son would learn important life lessons by sticking it out.” YES!! I think we are similar in so many ways Janet. A lot of parents would have rushed to press the eject button on this situation but you’ve given your sone something so much more valuable. I had personality clashes with teachers as well and it teaches you so much – this is the resilience-building we should be encouraging.
Janet Camilleri says
It was so hard Zilla – truth is, that particular teacher had a personality clash with pretty much everybody, and heaps of other parents pulled their kids out of her class. The one saving grace was that they did rotations, which meant for a lot of the year she was not actually the one teaching Mr 21. Just doing the marking. There are lots of difficult people out there – I’ve had a boss or two like this. It’s just life.
Ness says
You would definitely deserved an A plus! I think it’s just because some of the stuff they have to write for school makes no sense, anyway. Or is it just me who never understands my kids homework/assignments?? Ahem.
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Ness I’ll take that A plus! As for not understanding kids homework/assignments – I had to learn how to do grade 5 maths (long division, anyone?!) the night before I taught it to my students, back when I was teaching – needless to say maths has never been my strong point!
Bec Senyard says
Well I guess at least he still passed? I loved English in high school but found it hard to get above a B in it and ironically it was one of my best subjects and I now write my blog. It’s interesting where life takes us isn’t it?
Janet Camilleri says
Once high school English moved past the creative writing aspect and into critiquing plays and novels, I didn’t do so well in it either Bec!