by Keri Rozansky | Sep 11, 2024 | Blog
Different writers have different ways of setting their mood for writing. Various intensities and colors of lighting, soothing music – or a playlist that reflects the theme of their story or characters, with their favorite blanket wrapped around their legs. Others prefer the hustle and bustle of the local coffee shop or another public space. Still others prefer a quiet, unadorned space that allows creativity to take any form.
I count myself in the last group. When I lived in Arizona, my little writing nook was about the size of a closet. It was just big enough to fit my desk with a little room on either side. My tall bookcase of writing supplies, notebooks, writing books, and all the rest was in a different part of the room! The thing you may have found odd about this space, however, is that it was part of the living room of our apartment. My husband’s workspace was kitty corner to mine all the way across the room. But I was content with my little space, facing the stark white wall. I could glance up over my monitor, lost in thought with my imaginings taking place on the blank slate that it was.
Eventually, I added a mechanical keyboard to my setup, and it’s clicking soothed me into a rhythm that kept my pace flowing and the story building with every keystroke. Apparently I’m a fast and accurate typist, since my husband’s friends heard it through his headset microphone and commented on how smooth and quick my typing was.
Fast forward several years to where we live today. We still share an office space, but it’s a separate bedroom rather than the living room. I had started with my workstation facing a blank wall so I could stare and imagine once more. But the cold took over and we switched spots in the room. Still, my daydreaming lives on. I can look up and stare at the wall across the room from me and imagine the words that need to come out next. The downfall though, is that this is a window wall. When the shades are open, I can see what’s going on in the back green space of our apartment building. Kids playing, dogs running, people coming in and out of their patio doors. It can be a distraction. No writing gets done.
The shared space also means my husband takes phone calls and participates in Zoom meetings within the same space. I either switch gears to another task that doesn’t require so much focus, or I put on my headset and crank some classical music up as loud as I can stand. It has to be classical, without lyrics, otherwise I won’t be able to focus on my own words. I’ll get lost in the lyrics and singing along and lose my focus once again.
What’s a task you need complete quiet to focus on? What can you do even if you’re surrounded by noise and confusion? Let’s talk about it on Facebook!
by Keri Rozansky | Sep 4, 2024 | Blog
When I started college, everyone was encouraged to get a degree in the tech field – computer science, engineering, etc. But I was more interested in English and writing. So I made English my major and minored in computer science. Minoring in computer science was a huge mistake. I was truly out of my element, and either failed or close to failed a couple of necessary lower level classes. Rather than continue to beat a dead horse, I considered other options.
At that time, I really wanted to become a teacher. My minor had to be a “teachable minor” meaning something that would be found being taught in a typical K-12 classroom environment. That could have been computer science. I chose another love at the time: physical education. It was called “movement science” at my school. I loved it. I learned about the science of movement, human performance, and took physical classes like gymnastics, swimming, and lifeguarding. This was what I’d do with the rest of my life. Until it wasn’t.
Because there was such a push for STEM, the school of education was admitting students with lower overall GPAs but sticking to higher standards for arts students. Had I been able to master computer science, I would have gotten in, but due to the poor performance in those classes, it hurt my GPA to the point of no return. I would be spinning my wheels, taking classes that didn’t matter in order to increase a number that would never increase enough to make a difference. I cut the education portion of my degree and went for a straight Literature & Language degree. Perfect.
But I’ve a lot of criticism or negative curiosity when I tell people what my degree is in. They find it either easy or not of value in the same way some STEM degree might. If I went back to school for the teaching credentials, I’d have a job in no time. Teachers, and English teachers, can be in short supply because everyone is still focusing on STEM. Some in-school experiences have taught me that teaching isn’t for me and never will be.
Instead, I’ve put my degree to good use in a number of different fields. Those STEM fields? They need English or writing experts to write their handbooks/instruction manuals, edit, and write content for their company website. I’ve written and edited content for a radio newswire, I’ve edited and posted building requirements, I’ve written a blog about LED lighting, I’ve edited legal documents for an international law firm, I’ve written blogs and website content for a number of property management companies, and I recently started blogging for an architectural design firm. Through all these experiences, not only have I sharpened my writing and editing skills, but I’ve learned about these other industries as well. Had I stuck in the classroom, I’d be teaching the deeper meanings behind classic literature or guiding elementary school students through the basic mechanics of writing and spelling in the English language.
I’m not saying the call to teaching is a bad one, but it can be very limiting. Even if I’d emphasized in ‘creative writing’ that could pigeon-hole me into something as well. I’ve looked at requirements for creative writing degrees, many of which go over the mechanics you already know, but force you to explore genres you’re not even interested in. Not only that, you’ll be learning your teacher’s way of thinking and doing – any other way will be ‘wrong.’
Continue to hone your writing and editing skills. An English and language degree is a valuable thing, even if people tell you it’s not. Pair it with a skill in the STEM field, or law, or even culinary school, and you’ll be unstoppable.
by Keri Rozansky | Sep 2, 2024 | Blog
Happy Labor Day everyone! Kids are already or almost back to school, and summer is ending. Be safe and have fun with your last summer adventures!
by Keri Rozansky | Aug 28, 2024 | Uncategorized
I’m Turner Moore and I’m 17. I’ve never written a blog post before, so sorry. Me and my friend Jay are starting our senior year at Glass High School soon. It’s going to be great. But we decided to have some fun over the summer. This year is going to be all about getting ready for college and all that, so we wanted to have fun for our last real summer break before going.
I love swimming and I’m planning on swimming in college. I want to go to the Olympics one day. My parents tell me not to brag, but it’s what I do. Swim, not brag. I scored a lot of the state and local records for swimming. I’m also a scout. Our group is called Outdoor Boys and me and Jay have been doing it since we were kids. I got the highest rank a couple years ago, but Jay’s still working on it.
I’m going to community college this year, too, but I hope to go to the state school after I graduate high school. My mom says I do too much and don’t just be a kid. Dad’s proud of me and does what he can. He was the one who dropped me off at early morning swim practices and drove me to camp outs and meetings for Outdoor Boys.
I don’t know what else to tell you without giving too much away. Or making it sound like I’m just telling you my stats. I’m more than just numbers and achievements, but you won’t know that until you get to know me better. You can read about me and Jay’s summer and more about us soon though. This friend of ours is going to be turning it all into a book soon.
by Keri Rozansky | Aug 21, 2024 | Blog
Visiting my Alma Mater to Help the New Generation of Lakers Move In
This August has been a whirlwind of change and, to an extent, emotion. It’s the beginning of my son’s senior year of high school. A picture popped up on my personal Facebook page memories – one of a teary-eyed five year old who wasn’t ready to leave Mom and Dad for kindergarten. The picture I took of him last Thursday as he smiled his laughing smile that says “not another picture, Mom!” was his first last day of his K-12 school adventure.
Next year, that “first day” picture may happen in front of a dorm building as he starts his college adventure. Yesterday, I connected with fellow alumni at my college Alma Mater. We were there to help the newest freshmen moving into the dorms feel welcome and at home. We unloaded cars, trucks, and trailers stuffed with all the ‘essentials’ and helped load them into the building, up stairs, or wherever they were needed.
As I stood out on the curb, greeting parents and new students, I thought about how I hadn’t had this first welcoming face waiting at the curb when I moved in 25 years ago. The program started 21 years ago – I wasn’t yet an alum, nor was I moving into on-campus housing. When I became graduated and possessed my position in the group of proud alumni, I promptly got married and moved out of state with my husband to start new jobs and a new life.
This move-in process is something I’d like to continue participating in. It was fun, I met some new people – not only new students and their families, but other alumni I didn’t know – including some from the pioneering class of 1967! Then I realized this may not be possible, next year or for a few years after that. Next year, we may be moving our own college freshman into his dorm. That’s something I’m not quite sure I’m looking forward to yet, but it’s a look into the future nonetheless.
The college years, as many know, are interesting and different. Your experience is your own, unlike your K-12 years where everyone is taking most of the same classes, has a similar group of friends, and eats lunch at the same time every day. College is about finding yourself and what you love. College means scheduling classes around your needs – if you’re an early bird who loves rising at 6 a.m. and can be awake and alert for an 8 a.m. class, you can do that. If your body runs on a later schedule, you can arrange it so your first class doesn’t start until 1 p.m. Dining halls are open from early in the morning to late at night, so you can refuel when you need.
Today, I take a moment to reflect on my own experience, imagine the excitement and experiences of these new students who moved in yesterday, and imagine what my son’s own experience will be like in a year’s time. A look back in time with nostalgic feelings for what was, and a look forward to the bright hopes of what one day will be.
