Teacher, Teacher

One YA Author’s Journey to Publication

All writers need guidance. Hopefully each of us has found at least one great teacher to inspire us to continue to struggle through the difficulties of brainstorming, revision, and the push to dig deeper. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was not just painfully shy about sharing my writing, I was so afraid I simply didn’t share with anyone. Ever. Because of that fact, I have no idea what prompted me to sign up for a creative writing class while I worked on my Bachelor’s in English Education. I can only think that my desire to write had turned into more of a necessity.

When I walked through the classroom door on that very first day, I was overtaken with panic. Everyone looked so serious and confident. And then Mr. Jimmy walked through the door with his white hair flowing behind him. He was probably wearing something purple; he loves purple. Before speaking, he played a song for the class; it was fun and made us smile. I think the F-Bomb was one of the first words out of his mouth. I knew then and there that this writing class would be like nothing I had ever before experienced.

Since that class, Jimmy Chesire has been one of the most inspirational people behind my writing. He cheered me on as I turned my pieces in, and flashed me a proud smile when a classmate pointed out something they liked in my writing. He understood my fear and helped me realize that all writers, even he himself, suffer from a debilitating lack of confidence at some point.

Ten years later, I was fortunate enough to have Jimmy as my teacher for a writing seminar while I was working on my Masters Degree. Again, he inspired me. After completing the seminar, I turned in my resignation at the high school where I had taught for eight years. I wanted to write. And thanks to Jimmy, I had finally found the courage to do so.

Jimmy Chesire and Kristina McBride – June 2006