(l. to r.) Me, Shirley CunninghamMrs. Cunningham was my language arts teacher in both 7th & 8th grade. She was one of those teachers who forced you to rise to a challenge. She taught innovatively. She graded strictly. And if you needed discipline, she did not shy away from it.
Mrs. Cunningham was not for messing around with.
But I've always loved this sort of teacher. And I especially love Mrs. Cunningham. After all, she told me I would be writer someday.
And now I am.
Today I will meet with her to get feedback on my work-in-progress. She's already warned me to wear my suit of armor.
I'm not really afraid of her. (not much, anyway) I learned a long time ago that a tough critic is a good thing! But I do so want to please Mrs. Cunningham. Back in middle grades I lived for her big red A at the top of my book reports. Because of her affirmation, I couldn't wait to do written assignments.
Something tells me she won't be using a red pen this time. But I do expect lots of constructive feedback. Mrs. Cunningham has read each of my other books after they were published but this will be the first in manuscript form. I hope it's not the last.
I'll let you know how it goes.
