Holy Family Loves Writing
Chris Esposito
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: News
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Carol Baldwin, a writer and an Education Consultant, recently visited Holy Family. Baldwin is a major fan of reading and writing, so it was no surprise that she came here to speak to students, faculty, and staff and present her workshop, "I Love Writing!"
Dr. Lynne Orlando, Education instructor at Holy Family's Newtown campus, asked Baldwin to come and speak about her book, "Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Middle School." She gladly accepted and brought her lessons to us. The workshop consisted of looking over a few classic texts; Baldwin admitted that she is "a firm believer in learning from literature." These texts helped prepare students for brainstorming. Using her book as a guide, the students were put into groups and asked to create their own characters and settings. Ultimately, it was a success and a good time for all.
On her favorite thing about writing, Baldwin said, "I'm hopelessly addicted to writing; have been for more years than I want to admit!!"
If you would like to read Baldwin's book, which I truly recommend, "Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Middle School" is available at both the Northeast Philadelphia and Newtown libraries, ready for you to read and learn.
Although I was unable to attend the event, after speaking with Baldwin, I feel inspired to keep writing. Her words truly resonate with those who have met her because her passion is blunt and honest. "I love being able to translate my thoughts and feelings into words which others read, and I hope will benefit from," said Baldwin. "When I go for a stretch without writing I get restless, it's like an itch that hasn't been scratched!" Baldwin also inspired at least one other student, who said, "[Baldwin brought] Pompeii out of me."
"Perhaps the most important goal was exposing the teachers to the process of creating short fiction in the classroom," said Baldwin when asked about her goals for the workshop. "The workshop showed these teachers the fun and hard work that goes into writing fiction. They had such a good time!" I can absolutely agree that writing fiction is fun and is absolutely worth the hard work that must be put into it. While her time here was short, Baldwin absolutely loved Holy Family. "I can't imagine a more receptive audience, and I hope to replicate this experience at other universities!"