Professional development comes in many forms. Some of the best PD is practical and that’s what I’ve been doing this week. I’ve been teaching my friend Sue, just like I was taught by Jenny Luca the following: 
- How to start a blog
- How to manage your dashboard
- How to create and use a Twitter account
- How to create and manage an Instagram page
- Start a new Facebook page
- Linking your blog to these ‘social’ pages
- How to own your site
Sue is an outstanding teacher and passionate writer and everything she is learning is transferable to the classroom. Her blog is now receiving actual reviews from readers and Bendy and Tash can be googled!!!
Ali, a teacher colleague responded: I’m loving it!! These are great!! I always said to Sue she should write a book!!
As a gift, I gave Sue her own copy of Be a Better Writer by Steve Peha. Sue, equally has been using Steve’s work for many years and now has his book. And yes, she has been referring to it while writing her spoof crime fiction. 
For example, we discussed capitalization and had a few things we weren’t totally sure about, so we opened Steve’s book Be a Better Writer and read up on capitalization.
‘Chapter 8. Better Punctuation.
The Importance of capitalization. Capitalization has a confusing history. So let’s agree not to confuse ourselves as we look at the one capitalization rule upon which all others are based and take a practical approach to common problems.’ Steve Peha
Steve’s book is written for teachers… and writer’s aged 10 to 16 years but we think it should say any age.
Bendy and Tash: Best Friends, Problem Solvers & Crime Fighters is now bendyandtash.com
Sue is not really a ‘newbie’ writer because she has been teaching writing for years and writing herself. However, now she is a published writer! As I said in my last post, sometimes you have to get to a certain age or level of confidence to share your writing with others. The more you write the better writer you become.
If you need a laugh in your day read some of Bendy and Tash’s adventures. There is a co-author who contributes too. Sally from Tassie, Australia!
NB: My son, a 22 year old uni journalist student read Bendy and Tash too. His passing remarks to Sue were, ‘Well, I know your target audience’. But, let it be said, he was laughing while he was reading! 🙂
Cheers Nina
Nina Davis: Teaching & Learning in Australia 