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Visions & Revisions: An anthology of new writing by Junior Cycle Teachers [selected extracts]
Foreword by Sheila O'Flanagan "This unique collection of work by new writers is a testament to the power of words, taking chances and using our imaginations. Now, more than ever, we need to find our creativity, raise our voices to each other and share our experience. This collection couldn’t be more timely." POW! Portfolio of Writing Project 2019–2020 for teachers is a partnership between JCT Arts in Junior Cycle and Fighting Words. Twenty Junior Cycle teachers attended a series of workshops at Fighting Words to draft, redraft, edit and publish this collection of work. This creative writing programme offers teachers the time and space to explore and consider possibilities around the creation of portfolios across all subjects at Junior Cycle. Fighting Words is a creative writing organisation established by Roddy Doyle and Seán Love. First opened in Dublin in 2009, and now with locations across the island of Ireland, Fighting Words aims to help students of all ages to develop their writing skills and explore their love of writing. www.fightingwords.ie Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) is a dedicated continuing professional development (CPD) support service of the Department of Education and Skills. JCT aims to to support schools in their implementation of the new Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) through the provision of appropriate high quality CPD for school leaders and teachers, and the provision of effective teaching and learning resources. www.jct.ie
Foreword by Sheila O'Flanagan
"This unique collection of work by new writers is a testament to the power of words, taking chances and using our imaginations. Now, more than ever, we need to find our creativity, raise our voices to each other and share our experience. This collection couldn’t be more timely."
POW! Portfolio of Writing Project 2019–2020 for teachers is a partnership between JCT Arts in Junior Cycle and Fighting Words. Twenty Junior Cycle teachers attended a series of workshops at Fighting Words to draft, redraft, edit and publish this collection of work. This creative writing programme offers teachers the time and space to explore and consider possibilities around the creation of portfolios across all subjects at Junior Cycle.
Fighting Words is a creative writing organisation established by Roddy Doyle and Seán Love. First opened in Dublin in 2009, and now with locations across the island of Ireland, Fighting Words aims to help students of all ages to develop their writing skills and explore their love of writing. www.fightingwords.ie
Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) is a dedicated continuing professional development (CPD) support service of the Department of Education and Skills. JCT aims to to support schools in their implementation of the new Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) through the provision of appropriate high quality CPD for school leaders and teachers, and the provision of effective teaching and learning resources. www.jct.ie
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Laura Morrissey<br />
out; if only she k<strong>new</strong> how easy and chatty it was; if only she<br />
k<strong>new</strong> that within the utter <strong>of</strong> an eyelash, the whole evening went<br />
SNAP, and all <strong>of</strong> sudden Dorothy was back in Kansas. Like Jesus,<br />
why do I even bother?!<br />
‘One word Caroline – Connor,’ I utter with as much distaste<br />
as I can muster. ‘Mm hum, all six foot four <strong>of</strong> him draped around<br />
the blonde, and guess how I spotted him?’ I say incredulously.<br />
‘Oh no, how? What happened?’ Caroline asks in a hesitant<br />
tone, trying to analyse my emotional state with every intonation<br />
<strong>of</strong> my slightly hysterical whisper.<br />
‘Down on one knee, in the middle <strong>of</strong> the restaurant in The<br />
Dean, just as I came out <strong>of</strong> the loo!’ I utter in between sobs.<br />
‘WHAT? Oh, dear god! Jesus how can he get any worse?’<br />
she fumes down the phone. ‘Are you alright? What can I do?’ she<br />
enquires worryingly.<br />
‘I can’t deal with this right now,’ I think, sure that Zoe,<br />
the ever-bright assistant is hanging on every word behind that<br />
curtain.<br />
‘Caro, I need to go. I’ll ring ya back in a while!’ I reply,<br />
trying to sound brighter than I felt.<br />
‘Oh alright, I’m here if ya need me. Well I am heading out<br />
remember, but head over to Eavan’s. Please do not go home <strong>by</strong><br />
yourself tonight alright?!’ she orders.<br />
‘Yep. Sure. Bye,’ I said, hanging up the phone as I slide to<br />
the floor.<br />
The dressing room is comforting. The thick crushed velvet<br />
curtains melt into the calming teal carpet. I can forgive the<br />
mirrors on either side reverberating the heap <strong>of</strong> myself into the<br />
reflection <strong>of</strong> eternity. Endless moments <strong>of</strong> disappointment. I am<br />
going to have to leave here, regardless. ‘I AM leaving here,’ I<br />
think.<br />
I have two choices. Choice One: I pick myself up, slick<br />
another layer <strong>of</strong> lippy on and march out ... OR, Choice Two:<br />
that impatient looking security guard is going to haul me out<br />
over his shoulder.<br />
Be Optimistic. Be Optimistic, lip-gloss out, let’s go girl!<br />
Laura Morrissey is a teacher <strong>of</strong> English<br />
and geography in Newpark Comprehensive<br />
School, Blackrock, County Dublin. She<br />
has written her first short story in years,<br />
and will forever be more considerate <strong>of</strong> the<br />
intimidation <strong>of</strong> a blank page in a classroom.<br />
Just keep <strong>writing</strong>!<br />
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