Thursday, December 3, 2020
Last Week Spotify Playlist
Enjoy (or don't) this Spotify playlist I made to help y'all get through the last week of classes. You've done amazing this semester and I'm happy for you to get a break soon.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7BQvauPR4ecwomyLtGXjxL
xoxo
Emma
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Thanksgiving Week Schedule and Beyond
Tuesday, November 24th:
Walk In Hours:
12-2, 3-5
Appointments by Booking (on the right):
10:30-12:00 (30 minute sessions)
Tuesday, December 1st:
Appointments by Booking (available the week before):
10:30-1:30 (30 minute sessions)
Walk In Hours:
3-5
Thursday, December 3rd:
Appointments by Booking (available the week before):
10:30-1:30 (30 minute sessions)
Walk In Hours:
3-5
Tuesday, December 8th:
Appointments by Booking (available the week before):
10:30-1:30 (30 minute sessions)
Walk in Hours:
2-5
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Native American Heritage Month
Recommendations and Praise: *see "Emma's Tips" on right side for full list of written, visual, and audio artists*
Duane Slick
Lady Shug
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Take a Break and Listen to a Podcast
Good afternoon lovely students,
The moral of the story is this; take care of yourself. You deserve it.
It is very important to do your classwork, make sure you're learning, and getting the most out of your education here at DCAD, but...sometimes you just need a BREAK. I'd even say it's even more important to take breaks so you don't get burned out or exhausted.
STORYTIME: (I'll get to the point, be patient)
In 2012, I worked a summer in the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee as "bear patrol." No, it was not meant to protect people from bears but rather bears from people. Bear protector! Anyway, around that time, as I was riding my bike in circles around the park, I started listening to NPR and other public radio shows. And then in 2014, when I worked on a conservation crew in Missouri, we started listening to the podcast "Serial" and I've been hooked on them ever since. My point is, sometimes you need something to listen to as you're working on a visual assignment or sometimes you need to take a break without it turning into a 3 hour nap. Give podcasts a chance!
Here are some I've been listening to recently:
1. Uncover: Escaping NXIVM...if you're into cults, this is the podcast for YOU. NXIVM is a weird, weird cult, but super fascinating. This podcast focuses on one woman who left and led a mass exodus, Sarah Edmonson. 5/5 would recommend
2. Sibling Rivalry (with Bob the Drag Queen and Monet X Change)...if you love drag queens and drag race, Bob and Monet are two of the best to come out of the franchise. They are really funny and warm, listening to them makes me happy. 5/5 would recommend
3. Why Won't You Date ME (with Nicole Byer)...need I say more, Nicole Byer is so genuine and funny and just a total goof. It's definitely a good podcast to listen to if you need to just relax and enjoy something or go on a walk. 5/5 would recommend
4. The Loser's Club (a Stephen King podcast)...are you a nerd? This is a great podcast for you, whether you love Stephen King or not. These folks go deep into King's works, resulting in 2-3 hour podcasts. This one is for a long walk or long break, but worth it. 5/5 would recommend
5. Crimetown (Season 1)...THE ITALIAN MOB and the Patriarca crime family. This podcast is so captivating and as a Bostonian, something about hearing Providence accents is comforting to me. A deep dive into organized crime in Providence with interviews from former mobsters. 5/5 would recommend.
*If you want any more recs, I am obsessed and will gladly help you to become obsessed as well*
The moral of the story is this; take care of yourself. You deserve it.
-Emma
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Something to smile about
I know this isn't related to writing, but here are some photos of my old girl to put a smile on your face today.
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Procrastination
Procrastination is something that plagues most of us, including your teachers (including me). It can be really hard to dig yourself out of that procrastination hole. But if you keep telling yourself, I'll do it tomorrow I'll do it tomorrow I'll do it tomorrow, it will never get done.
Here are some tips to get you through it:
1. Make a to-do list.
This may sound too obvious, but sometimes making a simple list can really help you to get what you need to do done. I use to-do lists all the time, especially now, to remind myself what to do on any given day.
2. Prioritize
Whether that to-do list is physical or in your head, make sure you prioritize what needs to get done first. With school work, this should be easy as you have more of structure with your schedule and when assignments are due. At the start of the week, if you know one thing is due Wednesday and one is due Friday and they'll take the same amount of time to do, prioritize the Wednesday item. This way, when it's done, you can feel more calm about getting the next thing done.
3. Set a timer
Sit down and set an actual timer for 30 minutes, 1 hour, whatever it is, to get something done. This can help you to focus for at least that amount of time.
4. Make sure you're well rested
If you're sleeping well, a lot of things will be working better in your life. Your mind won't wander as much if you're not exhausted trying to get something done.
5. Use a physical calendar to schedule things
I have two physical calendars, one for school stuff and one for personal. Writing it down helps keep me in check and reminds me of things I have to do. You can use the calendar in your phone for this and utilize things like the alert function to remind you of class or assignments.
6. Don't beat yourself up
You want to get things done when they need to be done, but beating yourself up about it won't help you. Looking for blame in yourself is different than taking responsibility. You can take responsibility without feeling bad about yourself. Take a breath, find your calm, and tackle that next project without worry.
AND lastly, here's a video from world famous drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova with their tips on battling procrastination
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Writing an Introduction
Starting a paper can be difficult. Writing an introduction can be even more difficult. Check out my quick-and-easy guide on the right side under "Emma's Tips for Writing."
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Welcome! Fall 2020
Hello students!
Welcome back to DCAD. While things are a bit different, the Writer's Studio will still be running, online of course.
Everything you need to know, who I am, instructions on booking appointments, and other resources are available on this blog.
This blog will be updated weekly with a new booked appointment schedule. I will also upload new resources and writing tips here.
If you have any questions about the tutoring sessions, please email me at elena@dcad.edu
-Emma
P.S. Here's the video instructions (also linked in the email I sent you)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRlCzYAstE
Monday, April 13, 2020
Writing Fiction!
I know everyone is very busy and still adjusting to online learning, but maybe you've had some time to work on a creative writing project: a play, a book, a series of poems, a screenplay you hope to pitch to Martin Scorsese one day.
A few years ago, I read this article The Guardian posted "Ten rules for writing fiction," which sounds like a boring title but it's really just a compilation of 10 rule lists from famous authors. And I wanted to share some of my favorite with you here, inspire you if you need it.
"Never use a verb other than 'said' to carry dialogue. The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking their nose in. But 'said' is far less intrusive than 'grumbled,' 'gasped,' 'lied.'" (Elmore Leonard)
"Cut (perhaps that should be CUT): only by having no inessential words can every essential word be made to count." (Diana Athill)
"Do back exercises. Pain is distracting." (Margaret Atwood)
"You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality." (Margaret Atwood)
"Do keep a thesaurus, but in the shed at the back of the garden or behind the fridge, somewhere that demands travel or effort. Chances are the words that come into your head will do fine, eg "horse", "ran", "said"." (Roddy Doyle)
"A problem with a piece of writing often clarifies itself if you go on a long walk." (Helen Dunmore)
"Description is hard. Remember that all description is an opinion about the world. Find a place to stand." (Anne Enright)
"Don't wait for inspiration. Discipline is key." (Ester Freud)
"Laugh at your own jokes." (Neil Gaiman)
"If nobody will put your play on, put it on yourself."(David Hare)
"Don't just plan to write – write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style." (PD James)
"Write a book you'd like to read. If you wouldn't read it, why would anybody else?" (Hilary Mantel)
"If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient." (Hilary Mantel)
"Remember there is no such thing as nonsense." (Andrew Motion)
"Always carry a notebook. And I mean always. The short-term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper you can lose an idea for ever."(Will Self)
"Protect the time and space in which you write. Keep everybody away from it, even the people who are most important to you." (Zadie Smith)
"Finish everything you start." (Colm Tóibín)
"Learn from cinema. Be economic with descriptions. Sort out the telling detail from the lifeless one. Write dialogue that people would actually speak." (Rose Tremain)
"Respect your characters, even the minor ones. In art, as in life, everyone is the hero of their own particular story; it is worth thinking about what your minor characters' stories are, even though they may intersect only slightly with your protagonist's." (Sarah Waters)
"Take no notice of anyone you don't respect." (Jeanette Winterson)
A few years ago, I read this article The Guardian posted "Ten rules for writing fiction," which sounds like a boring title but it's really just a compilation of 10 rule lists from famous authors. And I wanted to share some of my favorite with you here, inspire you if you need it.
"Never use a verb other than 'said' to carry dialogue. The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking their nose in. But 'said' is far less intrusive than 'grumbled,' 'gasped,' 'lied.'" (Elmore Leonard)
"Cut (perhaps that should be CUT): only by having no inessential words can every essential word be made to count." (Diana Athill)
"Do back exercises. Pain is distracting." (Margaret Atwood)
"You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality." (Margaret Atwood)
"Do keep a thesaurus, but in the shed at the back of the garden or behind the fridge, somewhere that demands travel or effort. Chances are the words that come into your head will do fine, eg "horse", "ran", "said"." (Roddy Doyle)
"A problem with a piece of writing often clarifies itself if you go on a long walk." (Helen Dunmore)
"Description is hard. Remember that all description is an opinion about the world. Find a place to stand." (Anne Enright)
"Don't wait for inspiration. Discipline is key." (Ester Freud)
"Laugh at your own jokes." (Neil Gaiman)
"If nobody will put your play on, put it on yourself."(David Hare)
"Don't just plan to write – write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style." (PD James)
"Write a book you'd like to read. If you wouldn't read it, why would anybody else?" (Hilary Mantel)
"If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient." (Hilary Mantel)
"Remember there is no such thing as nonsense." (Andrew Motion)
"Always carry a notebook. And I mean always. The short-term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper you can lose an idea for ever."(Will Self)
"Protect the time and space in which you write. Keep everybody away from it, even the people who are most important to you." (Zadie Smith)
"Finish everything you start." (Colm Tóibín)
"Learn from cinema. Be economic with descriptions. Sort out the telling detail from the lifeless one. Write dialogue that people would actually speak." (Rose Tremain)
"Respect your characters, even the minor ones. In art, as in life, everyone is the hero of their own particular story; it is worth thinking about what your minor characters' stories are, even though they may intersect only slightly with your protagonist's." (Sarah Waters)
"Take no notice of anyone you don't respect." (Jeanette Winterson)
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Day 1 and Counting
Hello students.
I hope to "see" some of you this week in the Writer's Studio. Casey and I will be available to help you with all of your writing needs. It will be a big adjustment for everyone, but I'm confident in all of you. Instructions for how online tutoring works are here, on this blog. Please contact the tutors if you have any questions.
I thought I'd start the week sharing a bit of wisdom from two-time Booker Prize winning author Margaret Atwood (from her "10 rules to writing fiction.")
#5. Do back exercises. Pain is distracting.
Make sure you are taking care of yourself during this time, even if it's only stretching or going for a walk (with distance from others). You will spending more time sitting behind a laptop than usual. Make sure you are taking breaks and have a good pillow. There are presently A LOT of online exercises classes available on both Zoom and Instagram live. Living legend THEE Miss Debbie Allen has been doing dance classes on her Instagram every week. There is one today at 2 o'clock (EST) if you're interested in trying out tap dancing.
I hope to "see" some of you this week in the Writer's Studio. Casey and I will be available to help you with all of your writing needs. It will be a big adjustment for everyone, but I'm confident in all of you. Instructions for how online tutoring works are here, on this blog. Please contact the tutors if you have any questions.
I thought I'd start the week sharing a bit of wisdom from two-time Booker Prize winning author Margaret Atwood (from her "10 rules to writing fiction.")
#5. Do back exercises. Pain is distracting.
Make sure you are taking care of yourself during this time, even if it's only stretching or going for a walk (with distance from others). You will spending more time sitting behind a laptop than usual. Make sure you are taking breaks and have a good pillow. There are presently A LOT of online exercises classes available on both Zoom and Instagram live. Living legend THEE Miss Debbie Allen has been doing dance classes on her Instagram every week. There is one today at 2 o'clock (EST) if you're interested in trying out tap dancing.
I'll come up with a list of other live classes, etc and put it up on the right side of this blog, underneath the Writing Resources. And as always, I'll be here if you need me.
-xoxo Gossip Girl (aka Emma)
Friday, March 27, 2020
Student Instructions For Online Tutoring
STEPS:
1. Students will need to have a google account to participate in online tutoring.
2. Students who wish to book an appointment will fill out their availability using the "appointment form" (right side of this blog under "Book Appointments Here").
3. Emma, acting as gatekeeper, will schedule appointments week-by-week, which will be published at the start of each week. You may use the booking form to give your availability for the rest of the semester.
4. Prior to appointment time, tutors will email a shared google doc to individual students. Students will upload their assignments and questions on this shared doc.
5. At the time of the appointment, tutors will used this shared doc and gchat features to give a tutoring session in-real-time.
WALK IN APPOINTMENTS:
1. Students who did not book an appointment but see an opening in the schedule may "walk-in" and hold a session, pending our tutors are available.
2. With walk-in appointments, student will gchat or email the scheduled tutor (gmails for Emma and Casey on this blog under "Meet Our Tutors") and create a shared google doc from there.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Welcome to the Writer's Studio
Hello students of DCAD!
This blog will act as the sounding board for the official school online tutoring center. On this website, you will find instructions for how online tutoring will work, as well as a weekly schedule of tutor availability. This will also be a space for extra writing and educational resources.
This blog will act as the sounding board for the official school online tutoring center. On this website, you will find instructions for how online tutoring will work, as well as a weekly schedule of tutor availability. This will also be a space for extra writing and educational resources.
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