Writing has everything to do with chickens. At least that’s how it feels as I embark on my new homeschooling/backyard chicken adventure. Have you ever noticed that our language is inundated with chicken references and idioms? That was part one of my chicken unit for the kids: Find and define as many chicken sayings as you can. They came up with 82! Chickens have personalities, and preferences, and they are curious. Who knew? No wonder there are so many picture books about chickens! So with the help of my chickens, I’ll tell you about 3 tips for hatching stories. 1. Fly the coop. Chickens need to leave the coop and get some light if they want to produce eggs. That’s why a chicken run and time away from the coop in essential. Sometimes as writers, we feel cooped up or overly scheduled. This squelches the writing juices and we can’t produce. Don’t fill your life so full that writing isn’t possible. Write in the treehouse, at the library, in a park, or on a swing. You’ll lay your best eggs when you fly the coop! 2. Ignore the pecking order. I was shocked when I saw three of our chickens pecking Cuckoo, whose stubby beak makes a darling kissy face so different from the others. After three weeks of pecking and isolation for Cuckoo, all four of the chickens seem to be getting along better. Still, some of the chickens clearly rule the roost. As writers we may feel like we are at the bottom of the pecking order, especially after the gazillionth rejection! Use your experience of rejection and pour it into your stories. Write the unexpected, make the underdog the hero, and ignore the pecking order. 3. Do a chicken dance! I never realized the chicken dance was a real thing until I watched Clucktrina puffing out her chest, clucking and strutting and celebrating how wonderful she was. Doing a chicken dance gets your blood flowing, makes you laugh and fills you with confidence. You have written a wonderful manuscript and revised it until it sings. You’ve produced a good egg, and that alone is a reason to dance! I’m off to feed the chickens...Ahem. I mean, I'm off to write a story. And that alone gives me something to crow about! Kirsti Call is a homeschooling mom of five. Her debut picture book, The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall, came out last December. Her family band, Calling Out, plays songs written by her children. She contributes to Writer's Rumpus, and Kids are Writers. If you visit her house, you might find her doing a chicken dance! You can find out more about her at www.kirsticall.com.
20 Comments
9/17/2014 03:01:25 am
I'm glad it gives you more thoughts for your manuscript!!!
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9/17/2014 02:43:19 am
This is such an interesting way to look at writing inspiration, rejection, and celebration. Even kids deal with rejection every time they get a piece of writing back from the teacher. They roll their eyes when they have to write another draft. It is good for both kids and professional/aspiring writers to understand that rejection is a huge part of growth and suggestions lead to new possibilities. Thanks for this unique outlook and best wishes with the chickens!
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9/17/2014 03:03:00 am
Thanks, Carrie! Hopefully I can use my chicken inspiration to come up with some fun stories!
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Sally Suehler
9/17/2014 03:40:46 am
What a fun post, Kristit! I do try to fly the coop to write and I try not let the bigger chickens peck me to much, but I will admit I do get cornered easily.. Tonight I can't wait until my husband comes home. I will puff out my chest (and believe there is a lot to puff out!) and strut my stuff! CLUCK! CLUCK!
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9/17/2014 06:02:33 am
I'm glad you like the post! I'd love to see you do a chicken dance!
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9/17/2014 11:52:51 am
When I was skinny legged kid of seven, I'd knock on the outside windows of the chicken coop to make sure the hens were all off their nests before I went in to gather eggs. During feeding time, I hid the bucket under my shirt and started from the barn door, walking backwards, throwing the meal out in front, as not to get pecked on my legs! I ended up by the front door of the farmhouse, into which I escaped from those beaks! Only now, through this wonderful course, am I brave enough to come back out and try to work those latent fears into a brave new book. LOVED your post.
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9/18/2014 12:54:11 am
Wow! I'm glad you're using those experiences to put some drama into your writing! What an interesting memory! Glad you liked the post.
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Debra Bergerson
9/17/2014 12:05:10 pm
Hi Kristi,
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9/18/2014 12:55:28 am
Yes, I'm surprised at how many fun and interesting memories we've already made with these chickens in the last 3 weeks! I do believe my writing will be more lively from now on :)
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9/19/2014 02:53:32 am
Fabulous, fun analogy - and a great message! Thanks, Kristi!
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Sheri McCrimmon
9/22/2014 05:12:03 am
Fun post! Reminded me of the little boy I saw leaving the library the other day. He was carrying a non-fiction chicken book and doing the chicken dance out the door (while singing) - a moment of joy for everyone who witnessed it :).
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9/23/2014 05:54:40 am
How funny! I love those moments when you witness someone who is truly happy!
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Maria Oka
9/26/2014 03:20:49 pm
Love this! I had a breakthrough on one of my stories and I think I may go and do a chicken dance now! Thanks for the fabulous chicken inspiration. :)
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Mira Reisberg
9/27/2014 03:18:28 am
I loved this too. I loved how fresh it was at looking at our work. You're such a good egg Kirsti (sorry I couldn't resist)!
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9/28/2014 05:02:40 am
Glad you like this! I'm really loving the chicken idioms---you're a good egg also :)
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