The Teacher As Failing Writer with Jon Rand and Tom Turner
Outline
Introduction and Podcast Overview
Melissa Milner introduces the podcast, mentioning it is in its seventh season and released every other week.
Melissa thanks listeners for their support and mentions the new sponsor, Career Mentorship Program, major choice.
Melissa invites listeners to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts to help it reach more educators.
Melissa introduces the guests, Jon Rand and Tom Turner, from the Failing Writers Podcast.
Background and Origin of the Failing Writers Podcast
Jon and Tom met while working in radio and started writing together, including sitcoms and novels.
The idea for the podcast came from their mutual struggle to write and their desire to hold each other accountable.
The podcast initially started as a self-help group with their friend Dave, aiming to motivate each other to write.
They decided to include guests to add variety and avoid becoming monotonous.
Podcast Structure and Content
Jon and Tom discuss their flexible approach to podcasting, avoiding a rigid format to prevent boredom.
They have done various segments, including a special on the Brontes and an episode on limericks.
The podcast is described as an autodidactic journey, where they learn from each other and from guests.
They emphasize the importance of being interested in the topics they cover, which makes the podcast more engaging for listeners.
Writing Processes and Techniques
Jon and Tom share their different approaches to writing, with no set system for podcasting.
They discuss the importance of finding a personal writing process and the challenges of adopting methods from successful writers.
Jon mentions advice from children's writer Andy Stanton about writing forward, which helped him focus on completing his work.
They talk about the spectrum of writing styles, from plotters to pantsers (by the seat of their pants), and how there is no one right way to write.
Teaching Writing and Student Engagement
Melissa and Jon discuss the importance of making writing enjoyable for students.
They emphasize the need for teachers to create an engaging and interactive learning environment.
Jon and Tom share their experiences with different writing styles, including first and third person perspectives.
They discuss the value of allowing students to express themselves through writing and the impact of personal experiences on their work.
Advice for Teachers and Students
Jon and Tom advise teachers to give students freedom to explore their writing styles and not to be overly prescriptive.
They highlight the importance of making writing enjoyable and providing opportunities for students to express themselves.
Melissa shares her own experiences with writing and the impact of her screenwriting course on her approach to teaching writing.
They discuss the benefits of flash fiction and radio ads as writing exercises for students.
Personal Reflections and Inspirations
Jon and Tom reflect on the influence of their teachers and personal experiences on their writing.
Jon shares a memorable moment from his A-levels when he realized the depth of Shakespeare's work.
Tom recalls an English teacher, Mr. Thornton, who saw potential in him and gave him the freedom to express himself.
Melissa shares her own journey with writing, including her experiences with screenwriting and the impact of her screenwriting course.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Jon and Tom emphasize the importance of learning through the process of writing and the value of failing as a way to grow.
They discuss the joy of creating flash fiction and the sense of accomplishment it brings.
Melissa thanks Jon and Tom for their insights and encourages listeners to check out their podcast.
The episode concludes with Melissa providing links to resources and inviting listeners to connect with her on social media.