One of our goals here at Today’s Author is to help all of the writers among us to do what we love to do: write. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by talking to each other and learning from each other. Our Writers Circle series is designed to do just that – provide a chance for us to discuss writing, editing and publishing questions.
This week’s topic is:
We have each written a lot of things in our lives and have had many sources of inspiration along the way. Today let’s talk about ways you have inspired others to write. Have you participated in a writing group? Volunteered at an elementary school or youth organization? Participated in a supportive way in online or offline writing events? What are some ways you have helped to get other people writing?
Let’s discuss this in the comments and see what our community thinks.
Today's Author 
While I was at school I worked in the writing lab for a couple of terms helping students who needed help with essays, term papers or other writing assignments. I’ve done a couple of writer’s groups, but mostly these days I help on-line folks like bloggers by providing encouragement and an audience. I do want I can and sometimes wish I had time to help more.
When I was in high school, one of the projects my senior Honors English class did was we went to one of the elementary schools in the district and worked with the 3rd grade class to develop and write stories. We were each assigned two third graders with whom we would work to develop, plan, write and revise a short story (each kid had to write their own story). I was assigned two kids who “had a history” and really did not like each other. It was frustrating and took longer than it should have, but we were able to come to an agreement to get the work done and get the stories written. The agreement was: If they’d work with me and get their stories written, I’d write one for them too. Apparently, they liked that option and they got their stories written (one was about a frog going on an adventure, the other was about a rocket trip to another world). I met my part of the agreement too, writing a time travel story which included a couple of 3rd grade kids who didn’t like each other being sent back in time to the time of the caveman and having to work together to get back home. Along the way, they gave their coat (which happened to be a varsity jacket from my high school) to a shivering, cold cavewoman. When they finally got back to their real timeline, they came across the newscast where they were discussing the inexplicable find of a varsity jacket in an archaeological dig.
Apparently the kids continued to write over the years (I don’t have any contact info for them at this point). They never became real friends but they got along. So, I found that inspiring the two of them to write was also inspiring to me.
Love your story, Rob, such a great idea. Have you considered polishing it for publication? I know kids would also enjoy reading your story.