I get to work with middle school students. I’m often asked to be a guest speaker as the resident “Real Writer” in my Midwestern school. Every time I present, I make students stand beside their desks and repeat after me, “When I write, I have the Ultimate Power!” We make fists like the Hulk and lunge forward. After the laughter dies down, I tell them why.
You are the only person in the entire world who has had your experiences, your emotions…who has seen what you have seen and could explain it in the words you choose. There is no one, ever in all time, who can tell your story except for you. No one can observe the world and report on it the way you can. If you don’t write what is inside you, it will never exist. And that is power.
When we write and write well, we also touch others’ lives. For those moments when readers read what we have to say, they feel what we have felt. See what we have seen. Even if that person lives a thousand years from today. In that way, when we write, we can live forever.
So, all you writers out there….Stand up. Repeat after me.
“When I write….(fists up. Flex those biceps) I have the ULTIMATE POWER!”
(Dedicated with love to my inspiration, My writing coach, Mr. Leonard Bishop 1922-2002 (Author of “Dare to Be a Great Writer.” )
Pen In Hand 
I know you’ve built confidence in many middle-schoolers’ lives. More kids need role models and writing coaches like you, Cathy. One day, one of those kids (or many of them) will be dedicating their writing to their inspiration – you. 🙂
Dear Char, Thank you so much! I was inspired by them as well! Fondly, Cathy
I second that, Char! Great post, Cathy.
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