Slice of Life 26: Time for Pattern Seeking

By Janice Ewing

We are approaching the conclusion of the month-long Slice of Life Challenge (twowritingteachers.wordpress.com). I had been aware of the challenge in past years, and read some of the posts, as well as some of the weekly SoL posts that appear on Tuesdays throughout the year, but this has been my first experience as a participant. I began the challenge with mixed emotions – interest, excitement, motivation to strengthen my writing muscles, and that “what am I getting myself into?” feeling as well. I wondered what I would write about, in what genre, and whether I would explore one topic in a variety of ways or wander around the landscape. 

Well the answer, as is often the case, seems to be: All of the Above. I wrote about my grad class, my family, my kittens (part of family, actually), professional experiences, and personal reflections. There were lists and agendas, poetry and prose. Some topics clearly appeared more than others. In the next few days, in addition to writing the remaining posts, I would like to look back at the previous pieces and see what patterns emerge and how this “data” might guide my future writing. Are there topics, themes, or genres that are calling for more exploration? Questions left hanging? As the challenge draws to a close, it seems like a good time to do some digging. Maybe I’ll unearth the seeds for a longer piece… Is anyone else thinking the same thing?

* This “Slice of Life” post is part of a larger blog series, hosted by the blog site, Two Writing Teachers: A Meeting Place for a World of Reflective Writers.

Janice Ewing is an adjunct for Cabrini College and a co-director for the Pennsylvania Writing & Literature Project. Janice co-facilitates PAWLP’s “Continuity Days” and this blog. She is an avid reader and writer, and especially enjoys writing poems.