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A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

Thoughts from my home to yours

NEW: Becoming a Critical Thinker!

Becoming a Critical Thinker

How does the queen of no workbooks get arm-twisted into writing one?

Compliments.

My editors believed in me. They thought you’d all want a book that gave your 12-18 year olds a way to work through the exercises in Raising Critical Thinkers. They also thought that I had more exercises and tricks up my sleeve (they were right).

And so, I made a thing and I like it! I hope you do too.

It’s called Becoming a Critical Thinker and it’s written directly to your teens.

Preorder Your Copy!

I have some big announcements related to the workbook coming closer to publication day (May 7, 2024) so stay tuned for those. But in the meantime: Yay! I wrote a workbook I would actually use with my own kids!


Editor’s Description

At a time when we’re constantly flooded with contradictory information and opinions, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. This accessible workbook is full of valuable insights, thought-provoking questions, and useful exercises to help teens and preteens expand their perspectives, skillfully navigate thorny issues, recognize bias, identify misinformation, and become more comfortable with dissent and differences of opinion. Becoming a Critical Thinker offers essential tools for students to mature into thoughtful, curious, and empathetic learners.


Becoming a Critical Thinker

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Friday Freewrite: Saying Sorry

Friday Freewrite

Have you ever said “I’m sorry” for something you shouldn’t have been sorry for? Or have you ever not said you’re sorry when you should have? Write about your experiences with apologizing.

New to freewriting? Check out our online guide.

Tags: Writing prompts
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[Podcast #220] Becoming a Professional Writer with Melissa Wiley

Brave Writer Podcast

Every writer’s journey begins with the spark of inspiration, often ignited during childhood. Favorite books and characters not only entertain but also open the door to the enchanting world of storytelling. For many, including our co-host Melissa Wiley, this early love of reading sows the seeds for a future in writing.

Melissa Wiley
Melissa Wiley

As a published author, Melissa exemplifies the journey from an avid reader to a professional writer. Her experiences highlight the transition from fan to creator, showing aspiring writers that their dreams of authorship are attainable.

Show Notes

Understanding the Publishing World

The leap from writing as a hobby to becoming a published author involves navigating the complex world of publishing. It’s about understanding different genres, including adaptations and licensed series, and learning how to balance creativity with market demands.

Writing Through Life’s Ups and Downs

A writer’s journey is deeply personal. Melissa Wiley’s experiences, including writing during challenging times, demonstrate the emotional resilience needed in this craft. Writing serves as a refuge and a form of personal expression, making the journey both creative and therapeutic.

Empowering Aspiring Writers

For young writers, the journey involves more than learning the craft; it’s about embracing the joy of creation. Steps in developing one’s unique voice include:

  • drafting,
  • revising,
  • and experimenting with different styles.

Melissa’s journey provides valuable insights into this process.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Writers

Encouraging young writers is crucial for the future of storytelling. By sharing experiences and lessons, we can inspire the next generation to pursue their passion for writing. Melissa path from a young enthusiast to a published author serves as a beacon for young, aspiring writers.

Writing is not just a skill; it’s a lifelong adventure filled with challenges, learning, and fulfillment. As Melissa Wiley’s journey shows, each step, from a childhood love of books to becoming a published author, is integral to the art of storytelling.

Resources

  • Melissa’s website is melissawiley.com
  • Her books can be found at: melissawiley.com/books
  • Read: Prairie Thief (Dart)
  • Read: Nerviest Girl in the World (Arrow) 
  • Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
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Connect with Julie

  • Website: bravewriter.com
  • Instagram: @juliebogartwriter
  • Threads: @juliebogartwriter
  • Twitter: @bravewriter
  • Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa

  • Website: melissawiley.com
  • Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
  • Instagram: @melissawileybooks
  • Twitter: @melissawiley
  • Facebook: facebook.com/authorMelissaWiley

Produced by NOVA Media

Brave Writer Podcast

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Try It: Book Hooks!

Brave Writer Try It Book Hooks

Looking for a fun way to introduce “opening hooks” to your kids? Keep reading!

The most famous opening hook in children’s literature comes from Charlotte’s Web.

“Where’s Papa going with that ax?”

Startling, right? Do you want to know what happens next?

That’s the power of a great opening hook—it compels you to keep reading!

See if any other standouts are in your home library. Rank your favorites!

Book Hooks

  1. Collect a stack of 10 books.
  2. Open them one at a time.
  3. Take turns reading the opening lines aloud.
  4. Vote on which is the most compelling and which is the least compelling.
  5. Rank all 10 in order.
  6. Discuss why the most compelling is so good.
  7. Revise! How might you change the least compelling to make it better?

TIP: If you’ve done this before, try it with nonfiction books—or movies (watch the first few minutes).

Writing depends on hooking readers. Remember to hook your readers when you write!

If you try it, let us know how it goes! Share on social with the #bravewriterlifestyle hashtag.

All ‘Try It’ Activities


Brave Writer® programs teach writing using your child’s body, mind, and heart.
Discover why writing is the key to all of learning!


Brave Writer Get Started

Tags: Try It
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Trust

Brave Writer

Home education is bringing learning to all of life—trusting the process, trusting our families, trusting ourselves.

That awful word “trust.” Trust sounds so risky, doesn’t it?

Like, how careless would I be to “trust” a process or my family or even myself? I want certainty! I want guarantees!

Alas—the fact of life is you can’t count on outcomes. But perhaps—just perhaps—you can count on resources to be there for you, however.

The whole energy of being human is to do everything in your power to mitigate risk! Avoid the warthog, get out of the blizzard, and never watch twaddle TV like SpongeBob Squarepants!

Everything Can Teach Anything

Yet, the truth is—learning abounds even in those risky, unnerving, or spurious moments of your life! Trust simply means that you believe you have enough resources to meet challenges and to transform experiences into learning.

Homeschooling is built on trust. I’m here to tell you that you have everything you need to be good at it—

  • community,
  • libraries,
  • curriculum that works for you,
  • friends who will troubleshoot your thorniest problems,
  • and your own bright mind that knows how to google when the going gets tough!

Trust is possible because you can always find what you need—you are NOT alone or without tools and support.

I trust you!


Brave Learner Home

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