Learning About Creative Writing Smith, Patricia (2010-03-03) >>Interviewer 1: Hi there. Can you tell us your name, please? >>Patricia Smith: My name is Patricia Smith. >>Interviewer 1: Hi Patricia. What are you going to tell us about today? >>Patricia Smith: I would like to talk about my experiences at the Columbus State Community College and my experiences here at >>Interviewer 1: All right, go for it. >>Patricia Smith: Well, let's see. I think it was last year...Either last year or the year before last, I went to Columbus State Community College. I was taking a class there, a writing class. They taught me a lot about writing. About how you... [Long pause] >>Interviewer 1: Did they teach you about structuring papers? >>Patricia Smith: Yeah... >>Interviewer 1: Or did you do poetry and creative writing? >>Patricia Smith: I did some creative writing. >>Interviewer 2: And did you really like that, did you pick up on it? >>Patricia Smith: Yes, I liked creative writing. >>Interviewer 2: Good. >>Interviewer 1: Do you do any creative writing in your spare time? Or do you just do it for school? >>Patricia Smith: No, I just do it for school. >>Interviewer 2: And do you do that here, too, now? >>Patricia Smith: Well, I'm trying to continue here. >>Interviewer 1: Go ahead, take your time. >>Patricia Smith: Like, we have writing class today, and the teacher is talking about words. How words have different endings, how you spell them. And when I was going to Columbus State, Ileared some of that. >>Interviewer 2: So you are learning some of the same stuff. >>Patricia Smith: Yes, I'm learning some of the same stuff I was learning there. >>Interviewer 2: Good. >>Interviewer 1: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about it? >>Patricia Smith: Also, me and a couple of the other students...I think we wrote a book. >>Interviewer 1: Wow, what was the book about? >>Patricia Smith: [muttered] What was the book about...let's see...what was the book about? I forget what the book was about. >>Interviewer 1: Yeah, that's fine. Did you enjoy writing the book? >>Patricia Smith: Yeah. >>Interviewer 1: Good. >>Interviewer 2: Do you think you'll keep writing in the future? >>Patricia Smith: Yes. >>Interviewer 2: Good. Have there been any particular struggles for you in writing? Or does it always come naturally? >>Patricia Smith: Yes there is a lot of struggles with me and writing, because I have trouble with my hands. I have cerebral palsy. It is hard for me to write, but I am trying to do it. >>Interviewer 2: Good. >>Interviewer 1: That's good that you're trying to work through it. >>Interviewer 2: Has anyone really influenced you to write or is it something you just find that you like to do? >>Patricia Smith: Well, I think I was probably influenced by my teacher. Ms. Charity probably influenced me. >>Interviewer 2: Very cool. >>Interviewer 1: Is there anyone you feel you have influenced? >>Patricia Smith: I don't know if I've influenced anybody or not, but I am trying to help other people. >>Interviewer 1: That's great. Is there anything else you like to share with us today? >>Patricia Smith: I am trying to think [smiles] >>Interviewer 2: That's fine. >>Interviewer 1: That's fine, if you want to say some more that's fine. >>Patricia Smith: OK. >>Interviewer 1: You take your time. >>Patricia Smith: I think I might influence my grandchildren. >>Interviewer 1: Definitely. >>Patricia Smith: I have three grandchildren and I am trying to help them. >>Interviewer 2: Do you ever read with them, practice with... >>Patricia Smith: No. Because they don't live with me, they live with their mom. They're going to school now, too. My grandson, I think he's probably going to be good in school. >>Interviewer 2: Good, so they're probably learning a lot of the same stuff that you have been learning. >>Patricia Smith: Uh huh. >>Interviewer 2: Ok, well that's great. Is there any other stories, or any other points you would like to make? >>Patricia Smith: I just would like to say, that it is very important for you to learn how to read and write. >>Interviewer 2: Yes, it is. >>Interviewer 1: That's a good message for all the younger people out there. >>Interviewer 2: Alright, well thank you very much for sharing with us. >>Patricia Smith: You're welcome.