A Southern Missive

Every teacher should keep a running log of the things students say. I’ve enjoyed the various lists of students’ bloopers I’ve read, but I could add my own. Additionally, there are some things students say that are revelatory of not only ignorance, but perhaps some deeper problems. For example, at the end of each six weeks, and especially towards the end of the year, students who have been, to use an euphemism, “less than diligent,” approach me and say, “Is there anything I can do for extra points?” Many teachers buckle and think up some quick assignment, and the quality of the work is often less than what SHOULD have been submitted onl time, and the student ends up passing. I tell them student, “Why should I do extra work now because you didn’t do your work then? That doesn’t seem fair to me.”

I might consider giving a student who did his/her work on time some extra work to raise their grade, but to offer “makekup” work as a quick escape plan–no that’s not fair to student or teacher. I intend to do some more writing and thinking on this topic.

I’m in a Scot’s Irish band. I play guitar, and sing a little (basically to let the lead singer rest). We call ourselves Angus Doubhghal; those two names are for two Scottish heroes. I’ve written a couple of original songs for us, and intend to write more. We’re playing at the Riverboat Festival in Columbia, LA, this Sat. If you want a pic of us in our kilts, write me, rickeyp@bayou.com. Wish us luck.

Marketing one’s book(s) is only one aspect of the author’s business. Yes, with a POD publisher, you do have to work hard, but even with the more “traditional” publisher (which are becoming more and more untraditional) you must work hard to promote your work. Booklocker has been so good to me–better royalties than many “traditional” publishers. I’ve made a form for bookstores (will be glad to send it to you if you email me, rickeyp@bayou.com) and I’m trying to pack in a busy summer doing signings and readings. More on this later.