Whether you are struggling with a piece of your own writing or over a work by a student, WELCOME to the site for:

--WRITERS
and
--WRITING INSTRUCTORS!

SCROLL FARTHER IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

--a writing text that works without traditional grammar drills

--a text that presents poetry through the music of the alternative group R.E.M.

--sharing any writing (after reading some of mine) or information on John Gardner, R.E.M., bicycling, or running

First, some information about me. I am a language arts teacher with teaching experience over twelves years from eighth grade through graduate school.
I am currently a public school teacher and an adjunct instructor at two local colleges--one a junior college and one a graduate college of education.
Also, I am a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction. I am preparing a dissertation that will be a biography of John Gardner (author of GRENDEL, OCTOBER LIGHT, NICKLE MOUNTAIN, to name a few) as a writing instructor.
I am also a free-lance writer. If it matters, take a look at my PUBLISHING HISTORY.

I currently use my own text book with my students both at the high school and English 101/102 levels. The text is designed to be a hands-on guide for students to learn the skills needed to be their own editors.
Check VIVID LANGUAGE to see what you think.
Also e-mail me at plthom3@aol.com if you are interested in a photo-ready copy of the text or a PageMaker 5.0 (Mac) copy to read, evaluate, or pilot yourself.

I also have a brief text-in-progress that presents poetry through the music of R.E.M. The band members have given me their approval, but I have yet to find a publisher.
I can also be coerced into sharing this in hard copy or in Page Maker 5.0 (Mac) format. Again e-mail me at plthom3@aol.com.
Take a look at REM--A TIME TO TEACH.

Since I am a teacher and a writer, I like to share my work and hear from other writers. Please read "She Could" and let me know what you think--or share one of yours by e-mail.

As well, here is a brief story of mine, "Pickup Truck."

I would like some stuff if anyone out there checking out this site might have it.

I am doing research on JOHN GARDNER--author of GRENDEL--for my dissertation. If you have anything unusual or unique or if you had any contact with him as a writing instructor, please e-mail me at plthom3@aol.com.

Also I am always looking for stuff related to R.E.M., bicycling, and running. Pass that along as well.


Hope you see something that catches your eye here. Also feel free to e-mail me for a list of the best books to read if you want to be a better writer.