Back
in October of 2007 when I first came into Second Life I was full of all
sorts of ideas. A real life writer and educator I just assumed those
skills would transfer over seamlessly. I dreamed of building a writing
school, creating a writer mentoring program and and and....
Well, the good news is that I did build my school - or two very well
meaning mentors built it for me. A big black bird with twinkling eyes
called Das Wade, and a svelte, blond-haired woman with flowing locks
and an acerbic wit named Saxet had
the walls up, the plants planted, and the doors open before I had even
begun to look at the "Build" tool. That, of course, should tell you
something right there. Not only wasn't I ready to open a school, but I
had no real idea how to go about promoting it either. The school was
gorgeous! The classes, based on my real world models were well-written
and easy to use. But I had no students and the few folks who were
interested quickly disappeared when I mentioned that I would be
charging for my expertise.
I can hear the ripple of laughter as you all read this, but who knew
that with a few exceptions Second Life is based on a pay it forward
system? People give and do so much for one another without charging a
dime.....er Linden. So one day I gritted my teeth and took down the
school. In my mind it still exists, and I know I could rez the walls
again, but it had already taught its one regular student all she needed
to learn. As the last prim returned to my inventory I contemplated my
next move.
Several plots of land, two islands, and alot of sweat and tears later I
have a new school. This time, the classes are being taught all over
Second Life. I have already given presentations at a coffee shop,
human networking community, a library, and the grand opening of of the
HIV/AIDS sim Karuna. More importantly, my method of teaching has
changed. I no longer (or rarely) stand in front of a group of passive
listeners with their pens and paper ready to take notes. Instead I sit
down with them around campfires, fountains, and lakes and tell stories
about my onw experiences. Then I invite them to write and talk about
their own.
My new school is actually a project. It's official title is The
Virtual Worlds Story Project, and it is nestled in the caldera of an
extinct volcano in Katcher's village. The name of this place is
Storybook Isle and there you will find things like a Story Trail with
little writing exercises along the way, shady nooks in which to rest
and read, and a campfire with stumps for sitting and chatting. There's
even a tire swing and ducks to feed if you don't mind their quacking.
Best of all, Storybook lives outside time and the pressures of first or
Second Life schedules. It is a place to come and allow the imagination to
dawdle, percolate, and stew. It is a place that nurtures and embraces
so that you leave refreshed and inspired. It is my newly expanded and
carefully fertilized notion of what a classroom should be.
Not to worry though. In the skies about Storybook you will find a more
formal library and small open air auditorium. There are free writing
lessons and links to online classrooms. And yes, there are "paid"
classes as well for those who are serious about pursuing their writing
careers. Best of all, my school is alive and well in the hearts and
minds of all the folks whose interest and support have made it possible
and I feel that the stories we are telling enrich and expand all our
lives.
You can learn about The Virtual Worlds Story Project and the two
related programs (Karuna's Garden of Experience, and Radio Riel's show
featuring stories) at the links below. And as always, please feel free
to IM me inworld (Jenaia Morane) or drop me a line at
jenaia.morane@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing your Second Life
stories!
LINKS
1. Storybook Isle: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Katchers%20Village/89/249/21/
2. The Virtual Worlds Story Project: http://www.tvwsp.com
3. Radio Riel: http://www.radioriel.org
