ANN PATCHETT PREVIEW...

I'm looking forward to hearing Ann Patchett tomorrow.  I just finished reading her newest novel, The Dutch House which I thoroughly enjoyed; however, I'm hoping that she will talk about her writing process.  I accidentally picked up her book This is the Story of a Happy Marriage and was pleasantly surprised that she shares her journey as a writer.  I'll share more after I hear her tomorrow!

MORE ABOUT ME, MICKI...

Writing has always been a part of my life but it became a passion when I was introduced to Nancy Atwell through her book, In the Middle, while teaching 7th and 8th grade English. From then on, I consumed book after book on the writing process and became a Fellow of the MN Writing Project at the University of Minnesota. Through the support of other teachers there, and the director, Muriel Thompson, I continued to grow as a writing teacher in the St. Paul Public Schools. 

But that wasn't enough. I wanted other teachers to know and use what I knew. I received a PHD in literacy from the University of MN and became a curriculum specialist in literacy7-12 in my home district, St. Paul. As a specialist and then as Literacy Program Manager 7-12, I supported teachers across the curriculum in embedding writing into their curriculums. It was exciting and rewarding, so much so that when I left St. Paul, I was offered a chance to help in the reorganization of Mpls. North High School by working with The Institute for Student Achievement out of Columbia College in NYC. For 5 years, I helped teachers embed writing into their curriculum whether it was art, phys ed, social studies or English.

Today I'm still working with Muriel, involved with creating podcasts, helping districts problem-solve literacy issues in their schools and doing personal writing