ruth’s cwp (celebrity writer profile)

A week ago Stacey posted an idea for Celebrity Writer Profiles.  I thought this was such a great idea, and had to make a sample one for myself too.  (Then I forgot to post the darn thing!  Oops!)  So here’s mine — you should try one too & send us the link.

 Name: Ruth Ayres
Brief biographical sketch: Mrs. Ayres has been in education since 2000.  She taught 7^th grade language arts for 4 years.  She is currently a writing coach for Wawasee Community School Corporation, working with grades K – 12.  She lives outside a small Midwestern town with her husband, son, and Siberian Huskey.
When did you start writing? I don’t remember not writing.  Before I even went to school, I remember stapeling paper together to create books that I would fill with lots of colors and later read to my biggest fans – Mom, Dad, Brother, and Dog.
What do you do to get ready to write? I pay attention to the world around me.  I soak in the moments that make up my life.  I go for a walk with my eyes wide open and my mind percolating.  I talk.  I draw.  I collect in my writer’s notebook.
What are your favorite writing materials? My travel pack of Zig markers – 10 different colors for whatever mood strikes and my writer’s notebook.
What do you do to put off writing? I read or cook or photograph or watch a movie or shop.
What inspires you to write? Knowing that there are people who care about my words.
If you had a pen name, what would it be? Hmmm . . . I’ve never thought of this before – I always imagined using my own name, why have a pen name – paranoia?  J  Although if I have to choose, It would probably be Penelope Miller.  Penelope because I love the whimsy of it and Miller is a family name.
What advice would you give to other young writers? Your life matters.  The little things you do everyday create a story that is big and important.  Find the significance in the life you live.
What have you always wanted to write? A professional book for teachers.  When I was a teenager, I wanted to write young adult novels.  When I was a kid, I was always making up fantasy stories – I thought I could create picture books of a new worlds for other kids to enjoy.