Wednesday, November 02, 2011

RTW- Put me in coach

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question.

This week's question
What kind of writing coach do you need? When you have to coach friends, what kind of coach are you


I need a coach like my friend Maddog.  Coach Maddog was the coach of the kickball team I played on a a few years ago.  
Here's the thing about kickball.  I thought it would be easy.  I thought I'd go to games, hang out with my friends, maybe kick the ball a few times.  Kickball was hard.  You see there's a rule about how many girls have to be on the field to make up a team.
Maddog was organized with lists of who would play and what position.  And she made me play.  A lot. 
Some things about coach Maddog
She doesn't put up with whiners.  You signed up, you're playing.  Shut up and get out there.
She wants to win. 
She cheered us on.  
She's tough but fun. 


I need a writing coach like Maddog.  Someone who doesn't put up with whiners and someone who wants a win.


Sometimes I turn to the advice of Yogi Berra.  I'm too young to remember Yogi as a coach but my grandparents had these busts of Yogi and Casey Stengal at their house.  I was sort of obsessed with Yogi.  I'd dress him up and make him part of my games.

You better write.  Right now.




I love Yogi's sayings. I love his book What Time is it? You Mean Now?  It is an advice book set up alphabet style.  It's all about hard work and dedication.  Not being a whiner and being grateful for what you have.  


My current favorite coach is Ron Gardenhire, the coach of the Minnesota Twins.  
Gardy is no nonsense.  He gets along with his players.  He gets us to the playoffs, well except for this year but that's OK we'll get em next year.  





I also love my writing group.  I feel like these girls are encouraging and we all push each other by working and setting goals.  I love the encouragement I get from these girls   

8 comments:

Colin Smith said...

I think I could take just about any critique from someone who wants to see me win. If I know that's the motivation behind what they say, for me, that's the sugar that makes the bitter medicine more palatable.

Unknown said...

I like that your kickball coach was also a player on your team, so she was maybe kind of a captain. That is what I want, a team of people all helping push me to be my best, so we can all win together.

Tracey Neithercott said...

A coach that wants to see you win is the best kind. Really the only kind. A writing coach should have the same goals as you. It's easier to take criticism when you know your best interest is in mind.

Jennifer Hoffine said...

"Someone who doesn't put up with whiners and someone who wants a win." Sign me up!

Alison Miller said...

I'm officially inspired. And I think I need me a Maddog! No whining. Just write. Love it.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Funny video. Yes, we all need a good coach. And, sometimes, a good kick in the pants to get going and stop whining!

Sarah Ahiers said...

i need a writing group change. Not that i'd leave my current one, i just need like a supplemental group where the other writers are at least on the same level, or better than me. Sigh

Lindsay N. Currie said...

LOL love this post, really. I always think of Tom Hanks from A League of their Own. "There's no crying in writing! There's no crying in writing!" LOL