Tameka Fryer Brown

Thank you, Abby. 

WOTD: FREE

During the months of January/February, I’ll be offering five 20-minute school visits via Skype at no charge.

The topic featured is From Brain to Book (Writing and Publishing Books for Kids). Q&A session is included.

First come, first serve.  If you’re interested, contact me!

WOTD: Write

Since today is the National Day on Writing (YAAAY–go write something), all of us at The Brown Bookshelf have shared our reasons for writing. I stated my reasons in the following poem:

WHY I WRITE

by Tameka Fryer Brown

I write to express my thoughts, my feelings, my beliefs—

Poignant or not,

Sleeve-worn or not,

Endorsed by the general masses

Or not.

I write because I have something to say

And a right to say it.

I write because my muse has infused my literary tongue

With brilliance unparalleled;

And because she’s abandoned me so

I’m trying desperately to coax her back.

I write because I can.

I write to avoid mopping, dusting, vacuuming,

Tubs, toilets, tile,

Dirty windows, dirty laundry, and dirty dishes…

Because a writer has a good excuse to avoid these things,

But a stay-at-home mom

With kids in school all day

Does not.

I write toward self-actualization.

I write to keep my wits sharp.

I write to show insecure Girl-Me that I can,

To show other self-doubters that they can, too.

I write because words are beautiful things

That I cherish…

And I pray, someday,

Some child will cherish mine.

Kelly Starling-Lyons, Paula Chase-Hyman, Gwendolyn Hooks, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, and Don Tate also share their motivations for writing.

So…why do YOU write? Please share your answer at The Brown Bookshelf — or even *write* here.

(Haha. I crack me up.  Agape!)

WOTD: Appreciation

I had a great time with the members of the Charlotte Reading Association this past Monday. Educators from various parts of the city (and one from Raleigh) traveled to Albemarle Road Elementary to hear me speak on the writer’s, educator’s and parent’s role in engaging readers.  There were brownies involved. (Now don’t you wish you had been there?)

I can never thank passionate, dedicated teachers enough for doing what may often seem like a thankless job; it is, in reality, one of THE most vital jobs in all of society. May the impact you have on our young people bring you the honor and reward you most assuredly deserve.

Oh yeah. Almost forgot…in my prep work, I found some great links about encouraging readers. Check them out:

DEAR—Drop Everything and Read

GettingBoysToRead.com

ReaderKidZ, “Beyond The Reading Log” by Bruce Frost

CNN article from James Patterson

WOTD (Words of the Day): Peace and Productivity

First–Thank you ALL for the love you’ve shown at my “virtual housewarming”. If you can’t tell, I am still excited about this brand-new, website home.

Second–In a few days, I’ll be presenting to members of the Charlotte Reading Association.  I almost feel like I’ll be preaching to the choir, as this group is comprised of individuals who are dedicated to instilling a love of reading in our kids–educators, parents, and literary enthusiasts. The topic is Engaging Readers.  With this group of experts, I’m hoping to learn as much as I share. I’ll be sure to pass along any interesting nuggets to you.  Wish me excellence!

Agape,

Tameka