Week 7 - To Write and Publish in 8 Weeks

Review

Last week I changed my original plan and began drafting additional text for a book that would be written for teachers instead of a children's book. A challenge I encountered was having professional illustrations ready for my text. There isn't enough time/funding sources to adequately fulfill that idea at this time. So in order to still write, using the Peanut Butter story I started with, I tweaked my original idea.

How To

My writing shifted to a "How To" book for classroom teachers. More specifically, How To Use Student Interest to Build a Classroom Community. 

I learned that focusing on and utilizing student interest in everyday classroom activities increases a sense of classroom community, student interest in school, and camaraderie- both in and outside the classroom.

I am using CreateSpace to complete my final revisions and interior formatting before completing my set up and authorizing publication.

The last time I logged on, there was an online form to complete for the IRS. I had to complete SSN/address information for IRS Form W-9 (which is linked to the Royalty Payment Profile for CreateSpace)

Integration of Readings, Concepts and Theories from Class. 

This week, I thought about a woman I know who has self-published several titles and is a part of Motown Writers Network. I have her contact information and felt that tapping into her expertise would help answer my questions about changing my story genre and focus. Using her guidance and thinking about the workshops I've sat in with her in the past, brought the text Situated learning (1991 Lave & Wenger) to mind. Referring to past experiences I've had taking notes and observing her practices in publishing (before I needed them, but because of my long-term memory, was able to tap into). I was able to get my questions about this process answered. Although I haven't sat by her day in and day out, I've had several opportunities to sit with her as she went through her own learning process with self-publishing. In addition, she has made herself available to answer questions. Peripheral learning is beneficial to someone (me) weaving their way through a new learning experience. This is also a form of ZPD which has been a point of reference throughout this blogging discovery period.