This weekend I had the privilege of being the speaker at a Regional contest of Power of the Pen. POP is an amazing Ohio organization that tests 7th and 8th grade writers, and has them competing against each other, just like a sports team. You can check them out at: http://www.powerofthepen.org.

These kids spent the morning answering three prompts: “make a plea for more or less of something,” “talk about one of a pair,” and one other that escapes me (Sorry. I’m not twelve anymore). They were given one of the prompts, then had 40 minutes to make up a story, written out entirely in pen. Then they were given the second prompt and had 40 minutes for that one. Same for the third.

After that, they went on lunch break while judges (mostly English teachers from the region) furiously scored the papers. Soon lunch was over and the auditorium filled with lively, enthusiastic young writers. When I was introduced, they cheered for me like I was Findlay’s own Ben Roethlisberger (in case you don’t know, the Superbowl winning Steelers’ quarterback is from just up the road from me, in Findlay, where the POP event took place). The kids listened, they interacted with me, they even laughed at my jokes (which I got from Mary Anna Evans, another Poisoned Pen author who happens to have junior high kids).

Then the awards were announced. These kids were screaming and cheering and running up to the stage to get their medals and trophies. There were huge smiles and hugs and pictures. These kids, along with their teams and coaches, had spent their lunch hours and recesses for the past several months practicing for this. And the time had finally come for them to shine.

I’d been asked to be inspirational. I talked about the many ways you can use writing skills, and how important it is to have many other experiences, too, to add to your creative stash. I talked about being proud that they were there to represent their schools, to use their gifts and talents. I did my best to help them see that what they have is exceptional and valuable. To inspire them.

But you know what? I watched the kids, I felt their joy, and I listened as they talked to each other. I hope I did a little something to help them. But I realize that I’m the one who came away inspired. By them.

**Just finished reading Heather Webber’s Agatha-nominated “Trouble in Spades” and laughed a lot. Great book, Heather!**