Teachers & Writers Collaborative
December 2008
Collette Samman is a NYC-based writer
What is the most essential part of a story or poem that makes it worth writing?
The fact that it is so real that you couldn’t make it up.
How much do you revise?
Hard question to answer.
How do you know when a piece is done?
When I read it and my words convey my message.
In your work, are you more interested in the language or the message?
The message.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Brainstorming.
What book have you read recently that you couldn’t put down?
Fieldwork by Berlinki.
Are there any aspects of writing that you feel can’t be taught?
Not entirely, but there are always aspects of writing that are innate to the writer.
How does teaching influence your work as a writer?
Teaching young people to be creative constantly reintroduces me to my younger self. If you remember where you came from and see where you are now, you are always your own mirror. This type of reflection and freshness helps me with my writing.
What’s your favorite in-class writing prompt?
It changes with age and ability. This year, change and dreams.
How do you create lessons to appeal to as many students as possible?
Get to know the class, the student, their age group, and stay on top of current events in “their world.”
Do you stick to lesson plans or follow the class dynamic wherever it takes you?
I stick to a lesson plan, unless the class dynamic has taken us to a necessary tangent. However, I always try to tie it all together in the end.
How much of yourself—your personal interests, your approach to writing—do you share in a classroom?
I self-disclose when appropriate. If I believe it will help the student make a connection to the topic, I will share a personal story. As for personal interests and opinions, I think it is necessary to help catapult a good discussion.
What are your grammatical pet peeves?
Run-on sentences.
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