July 25, 2009
With all the talented teachers here on Storywrite, it was very hard to pick just one. But I eventually flipped a coin and came up with Token Massacre.
I was very curious as to where this talented and outgoing teacher put up residence.
What is your living situation; forest, beach, mountains, house in the suburbs, apartment, cardboard box?
Chryssi's answer: I currently live in the city, up here in Ontario, Canada. Although, one day I’m hoping to move out to the country. It’s me and my 3 girls (yes 3, that makes a house full of women, heaven help me when they’re teenagers). We’ve been on our own for a long time.
And does living with mini teenage girls affect your writing? Does any of your situation?
Chryssi's answer: Depending on my neighbours, depends on how much writing I’m able to accomplish at times. It can be a blessing or a hindrance; based on the story concept at the time haha.
I wanted a peek into Token's background a bit so I asked a personal question or two.
We all know writing is one of your main past times, but if you could pick another one what would it be?
Chryssi's answer: Well if we don’t count spending time with my kids as a pastime, then I would have to say playing a certain game is. (I’m not sure if I’m allowed to name it or not, since it’s an online game.)
Getting on to the gritty of the interview, I asked, why do you think you were picked to be a teacher?
Chryssi's answer: Honestly I’d like to say it’s for my sparkling personality, but well that would be a lie. I’m harsh, honest and sometimes very blunt. It doesn’t appeal to everyone, but I do know my work.
>What was your reaction when you got the official note?
Chryssi's answer: I was shocked. There are a lot of talented people on this site. I figured someone else would have been chosen over me. I’m not very good at explaining, “Why?” I find it easier to just tell what’s wrong and how to fix it. It’s been a learning experience for me too.
And are you enjoying teaching?
Chryssi's answer: At times, I do. As I said, I’ve learned a lot since I started almost a year ago. I’m sure there’s more I will learn too. I like the people I’ve met and helped. I also like knowing that I was able to make something that has a lot of potential, even better.
And about your students?
Chryssi's answer: My students... what can I say about them? They challenge me, frustrate me, make me smile and some even make me laugh. They keep me on my toes and always have questions. I respect all of them.
Did you like researching and writing your class(es)?
Chryssi's answer: That I think was the least fun of it, I like seeing what people produce rather than telling them what to do. (Although I know that’s part of it and I have no choice haha)
Is there anything you need improving on?
Chryssi's answer: There’s lots I need improving on, Patience being one, the whole ‘explaining’ part of things too. All I can ask is for patience from my students as I’m still learning too.
Open thoughts about the school? SW in general? Teaching?
Chryssi's answer: The school is probably one of the best parts of StoryWrite. It’s a great community of writer’s working together to help themselves, help each other and help the students. I am truly honoured to work among some of what I consider to be the top writer’s here.
As far as SW goes, I have been a part of it for a number of years (3rd anniversary is in August). The community is fun, helpful, outgoing and I have met people here that have made me laugh, cry and even angry on occasion. All in all, it’s a family and I’m proud to know them.
Any advice to writers, students or the entire population of Earth and other civilizations?
Chryssi's answer: I think the best advice I can give writers would be... write for yourself first. If you put it out there for anyone else before you, you’ll never be satisfied. If you can’t make yourself happy with what you love to do, then why do it? You’re selling yourself, and your readers short.
Oh, and if I read a story that has sentences, not in dialog, that begin with ‘and’ or ‘but’ don’t be surprised to get a grumbling comment from me
Thank you Token Massacre for letting us get a small glimpse of you.
Token Massacre is an accomplished writer. Her books can be found under the name Christina Sawyer at Barnes and Noble.
All writers in whatever genre must be just a little daft. You work on your creation, type it out, post it and hope to get positive comments. If you want to publish you will probably get enough rejection slips to wall paper the living room. Still you write on, regardless.
Hi, I'm Bob. I try to pass on a few tips and tools for those who may wish to write poetry. The following poem is my take on the above in poetry.
Doing Well
I'm really doing well, you know,
Now that I'm on the mend
From all that bloody worry
That never seems to end
Did I get the rhythm right?
Does the rhyme seem fake?
Or am I just imagining
Another damn mistake?
I'll never know until it's done,
Written neatly on the page,
And readers come and comment
On the ramblings of old age.
But I've been there and done that,
More times than I dare tell,
And sometimes the consequences
Really hurt like bloody hell.
Therefore, I made some changes
To the way I view all things,
About who's doing what for me;
Or who's just pulling strings.
So I weigh it all carefully
And when I'm really on a roll
I write down what I want to say,
Cause it's me, who's in control.
You may not even like my work,
That's fine, the choice is yours,
I will write to suit my dreams
With no strange metaphors.
Mine has been a simple life,
I'm an ordin'ry sort of man,
Survived my share of problems
Just like everybody can.
I am in my twilight years,
My time is running out
I'll remember all the happy times,
The things I laughed about.
I can't solve your problems,
Nor mend your broken heart
I can only say, be positive,
That's the place to start.
My very good friend Kari, she changes her name often, but for now it is Kari, has been Activities Leader for a bit now. I thought it only logical to ask my questions to the most experienced.
I was curious, as I'm sure most of you are, what an Activities Leader really does. She shrugged and looked humbled.
Kari's answer: My duties as an activity leader is: approve stories to be spotlighted on the front page, host site sponsored contests once a month, feature story related columns, and do member of the month
Sometimes the site sees an advertisement for anew Activities Leader. What do you look for in an applicant?
Kari's answer: I look for someone that knows how to do columns, and has done some, and doesn't mind holding contests.
I've always been curious on how you choose a story as spotlight worthy.
Kari’s answer: One, I make sure that they aren't poetry. All poetry gets denied. Two, I check and make sure they are G rated stories, and for all ages. Three, I make sure that the story is readable, and not with a background that might hurt someone's eyes.
What about columns? Is it the same as spotlighted stories?
Kari's answer: The columns that are featured are always ways that help improve your story writing skills, or either something to do with the site like best group, or member of the month award.
Being an Activities Leader seems fun, what do you find is the most enjoyable part of being one?
Kari's answer: Spotlighting the member of the month, and finding out more info about them.
Is there anything you don't like about it?
Kari's answer: Nothing that I can think of. I like it all.
What is the hardest, but most rewarding part of your job?
Kari's answer: Spotlighting stories on the front page. Most people love it when they see their story on the front page, the hardest is when I have to deny it if it's not G Rated.
Thank you Kari for your honest answers about being Activities Leader.
Well there you have it folks. Kari is just one of Storywrites many unsung heroes. We need to stop and take a look at all the wonderful people who help make SW one of the most constructive and helpful writing sites on the web.
A Fools Guide to Humour by DoozerDan
Beginning Your Novel by GuitarShank
Breathtaking Backdrops by Oblivion Kitty God
Editing and proofreading by Token Massacre
From Story to Screenplay by Kevan
How to Make Your Narrative Sing by IrishYndina
Intro to Fantasy by Valkyrie
Lets Get Published by Elisabeth
Navigating Storywrite by Andy Stephenson
Poetry? What’s That? by rbruce
Running an Effective Contest by Kevan
The Writers Toolkit I Plain English by tallblondie
Writing for Children of all ages by SageSyren
45 Graduates
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