What I learned from Life 101: First Summer at Grad School

• Roanoke is beautiful but boring.
• There’s an awesome band called Honor By August. Look them up. Buy their CDs.
• A tiny room is adorable, but not great for company.
• Cooking at home is always cheaper than eating out. Everyone should cook at home more.
• That said, Cheddar’s is AWESOME. You should go there. Get the Veggie Plate. 
• Talking to the people in your class makes the class easier.
• Best stress relievers include friends, pizza rolls, risotto, visits from boyfriends, trips off campus, and wine.

What I Learned from ENG 561: Genre Study in the Craft of Writing for Children: Fantasy

• Fantasy has subgenres. Before this class, I’d never even heard of subgenres.
• Fantasy is the “genre ghetto.” If you write fantasy, all the “real” authors will forever consider you to be beneath them.
• Same goes for writing for kids. Adult authors might even ask, “So when are you going to start writing real books?”
• Every writer should try using plot-point outlines. You might love them (like me) or you might not.
• Never be afraid to take a chance on a “crazy” idea.
• It’s okay to be dissatisfied with your 1^st draft. And your 2^nd. And your . . . 5^th.
• Revision is BY FAR harder than writing.
• You’re allowed to steal ideas. You heard me. Writers steal ideas ALL THE TIME.
• You can write stories based on folktales, fairytales, poems, or songs without being guilty of copyright violation. An original re-telling of Hansel and Gretel would be completely legal.
• In fact, old tales, ballads, and such are great writing prompts (i.e. Ellen Kushner’s Thomas the Rhymer).

What I Learned From ENG 542: History and Criticism of Children's Literature

• Folktales and fairytales rarely have an “original” version.
• We often assume folktales are for children when they aren’t. Then we make the mistake of adapting them for children without analyzing them (i.e. Little Mermaid).
• It’s important for children’s literature to remain true to who children actually are rather than idealicizing or “adultifying” them.
• Childhood hasn’t ended. There are just fewer secrets. (See Kathleen O’Donnel, Honey We Lost the Kids)
• Little House on the Prairie is racist but historically accurate to the author’s perspective. Books like this should be discussed instead of merely read to kids.
• Velveteen Rabbit is about love triumphing over reason, so the “random fairy” isn’t really random.
• There are lots of literary theories. I used new criticism in undergrad, and my favorite theories are cultural studies, queer studies, and reader response theory.
• When analyzing a book, keep the target age in mind.
• Online discussions take more work than physically going to class. If your teacher gives you a choice, go to class.