Ready...Set... ReFoReMo!

By Cindy Williams Schrauben

Who’s ready to read for research? Getting the most from ReFoReMo requires intentionality, focus, and endurance. So, before we get started, I have a few tips.

READY - Be intentional.

1) Set a routine. When will you be able to benefit the most from the posts? Try to carve out some quiet time for yourself (easier said than done, I know.)  

2) Plan a process for taking notes -. Will you doodle in a notebook? Type up a word doc? Scratch on a sticky note for later review? My biggest mistake is thinking I will remember later - nope! It won’t happen.

3) Where will you get your mentor texts? Have you requested books from your library? The posts are great, but reading for yourself is key. We all see things a bit differently.

SET - Be Focused.

Mission: What do you want to achieve?

1) General knowledge?

2) Help with a specific idea or manuscript?

3) Simple motivation?

Being purposeful will help you get the most out of the process.

Mindset: Make some promises to yourself - after all, this is all about you.

1) Instead of being overwhelmed by the wealth of information, key in on what is relevant to you. Roll with it. 

2) If you get behind, catch up when you can - this isn’t a race (remember that the posts aren’t going anywhere - they will be available later.) 

3) Do your best and don’t stress.

READ - Endure

1) Be open to different viewpoints.

2) Try out a new idea from a mentor text (new format, new characters or setting, etc)

3) Help others by interacting in the comments or on FB

4) Go back and review what you’ve learned throughout the year.

Because there is so much info presented, it can sometimes help to focus on improving a specific MS or two. But, if you’re not there, that’s ok. Hopefully you will be inspired along the way.  Whether you are on heels of Storystorm or just getting started, ReFoReMo is a month of inspiration and shared knowledge. Please share your best strategies in the comments below.

READY...SET… ReFoReMo!

Cindy Schrauben is the ReFoReMo Facebook group list organizer and a blog contributor. As a former educator and magazine editor/writer, Cindy is consumed by a life-long passion for the written word. Her projects range from picture books to young adult novels as well as adult non-fiction. Writing for children provides her with a real excuse for spending so much time in the children's section of the bookstore. Cindy is a member of SCBWI and participates in many online writing communities.