By Theresa Parker Pierce @rowanhistory

Isaiah 28:10

“For precept must be upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” KJV

As a former teacher I have written most of my life but in retirement, I decided to pursue it further. Much wisdom has been departed to me as a newbie, I decided to share it here. 

“Learn the craft.”

A friend said that and it stuck. She has been a constant source of encouragement. It was easy for me to think I have produced education articles, so how hard can it be to become an author?  But it is. I taught across the curriculum but when a substitute for high school math could not be found, I was called on to cover Math I (Algebra and Geometry). I thought, how hard can this be? Trust me when I say, it is not like riding a bicycle. It did not come right back. 

Find what works for you professionally and stick with it.

This was in reference to workshops, writing groups and continuing education. Everyone is different and money is limited. I chose Blue Ridge and will be attending for my third year in a row. I am just now starting to recognize names and faces. It takes time. I am part of two on-line groups, Word Weavers for critique and 540 for accountability. Both offer training. I tried several until I found what fit, like a good pair of shoes. One size does not fit all. 

Find time to commit to daily practice.

When my children were little, a friend suggested I read daily. I laughed between loads of laundry. So, she suggested I read a page a day. That was doable. I found that time. Now I am a Nana. I read and write after supper. It has become part of my routine. I don’t always make the mark but aiming high helps. 

Cultural sensitivity matters.

When I submitted pages to be critiqued at a conference, I was blown away with teaching on how to view things from the perspective of a house servant. Yes, I have watched Downton Abby. But it took walking mentally in another person’s shoes. 

Listen and take notes.

While teaching fourth grade, we had annual author visits. They captured our hearts. One author suggested we “keep a journal with sketches, story ideas and inspiration.” It works! I often refer back to those notes. Some of my best note taking happens serendipitously while riding around with 90 year-olds in the car. They have the best stories! 

Take calculated risks.

I read a magazine for senior citizens. I decided to look into how to submit an article. Because I reached out, I have been writing for them for about six months. While taking part in a virtual group, we were challenged to create a devotion by our guest speaker. I did not see myself as worthy of writing a devotion but I followed the steps and to my surprise, I was successful. My work was not perfect but they gave me the opportunity to improve it. 

Mastery takes time and effort.

In the teaching world, we say it takes five years to be accomplished. While I taught school for 35 years, I am mid-year three as a writer. I give myself grace when I do not know what someone is talking about, thankful for google.  As an educator, I explained to parents what an IEP was. My husband did not take for granted that I knew what ground fault meant. Writing instructors take time to explain to us the difference between a one pager and a query. 

I am finding my way on social media, virtually and in person. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Theresa Parker Pierce lives in Historic Salisbury, North Carolina, where she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has 35 years of experience teaching reading and history. Theresa has a Master’s degree in education and is National Board-certified. Two-time Rowan Salisbury Teacher of the Year, Theresa enjoys storytelling about her childhood in eastern North Carolina and giving tours in Rowan County. 

Her manuscript, Up Dunn’s Mountain won first place for Young Adult Literature at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. She is a member of Word Weavers International and 540. 

A historic docent, she shares her volunteer time between the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer and the Rowan Museum in Salisbury. With what started as one is now a closet full of costumes, Theresa dresses in period attire. 

A Toastmaster, Theresa speaks to historic groups, senior citizens and of course, her favorite children.