By Linda B. (LB01), Ohio
What drew you to become a Write2Win editor?
I found out about Write2Win through a network for freelancers. With the downturn in the economy, I had a little extra time and wanted to use my skills and background to help others. I was fortunate to learn about Write2Win. It's just what I had in mind!
How much time does it take to edit an average student paper?
It varies, but most shorter papers take about 30 minutes. It took me a little while to become familiar with the way we are asked to add our comments to the papers, but it's easy now. The structure really helps.
What do you value most about the Write2Win program?
Working with these kids helps me think about the process of writing. Editing their papers challenges me to figure out how to gently help these young writers strengthen their skills--no matter what skills they currently have. It's also interesting to read the range of responses to the same writing prompt. Some of the writers have other language backgrounds. I give them lots of credit. They certainly wouldn't want to read something I wrote in Chinese! Often I wish I could see the students' final drafts.
If you are a writer or editor, I definitely recommend giving Write2Win a try. You won't be sorry!
AGO1: Autumn G., IllinoisI lived in Ireland and in West Africa for many years. . . . Writing was important for me as a way to share those experiences. In this way, I think writing has the ability to help people understand one another better and bring people together.
AGO2: Ann G., IllinoisThe world idolizes rock stars and movie stars and TV stars. The real stars in this world are writers...
AKO1: Alison K., IllinoisMy writing gives me the opportunity to imagine life as many different characters in many different eras—from a medieval lady of the castle to a journalist in Paris...
CW01: Caryl W., IllinoisWhen I'm not editing or indexing books, I like to read novels. My favorite genre is the medical mystery...
FJ01: Frances J., OhioMy English teacher assigned us a descriptive paragraph to write. I wrote about something I saw on a trip. He actually wanted to go see it from what I had written. I think I then realized that my writing could actually affect and influence other people...
JV01: Jayne V., IllinoisI like the fact that in a letter or a story I can take the time to think about what I want to convey and can revise and edit before I share it with anyone else...
KM02: Kathy M., CaliforniaI really enjoy authors who help me form a very detailed picture about the scene, the characters, and the culture behind the story...
LB01: Linda B., OhioI didn't know for a long time that I could have a career in this field. I thought writing was something you had to do for free because no one was willing to pay for it...
LW01: Linda W., IllinoisI admire authors who write about ordinary people and give us a deep insight into them. But I also appreciate science fiction and fantasy writers for their grand storytelling style...
MH01: Mary H., IllinoisFor the last 12 years, I've been editing and proofreading hospital health newsletters. It's very interesting and informative...
MS01: Michael S., IllinoisMy livelihood has always depended on my ability to write well and I've worked in a number of different fields...
RZ01: Rochelle Z., IllinoisMy head is always full of stories and ideas, and writing is my way of sharing them with other people. Through writing, I try to help people look at themselves and their world in new ways...
SG01: Steve G., IllinoisEnglish was always my favorite and best subject. My dad brought comic books home after work every Wednesday, so I've been around reading and writing since I was very young...
SG02: Susan G., IllinoisFinding a way to exactly express what I am feeling and reading the fine words others write to express their truest emotions and thoughts makes me feel alive and connected to the world...
SK01: Sakura K., MichiganMy dad also loved to write. I discovered some of the creative writing he did in college, and that inspired me even more to write for my high school newspaper...
TC01: Treacy C., CaliforniaWriting helps me solve problems. If I can't figure out what to do or if I'm worried about something, I write it all down...
