But when you have to parse out a sentence in a language you don't know, you are forced to learn about the building blocks that underlie all languages.Īlso, when you love words, learning another language feels a little like opening a treasure chest, full of new nuggets of sound and meaning. English grammar always came naturally to me I just knew what sounded right. I don't think I ever truly understood the nuts and bolts of English until I studied a foreign language. How has studying a foreign language influenced your writing?

I am constantly amazed by what I find out! Bees shiver to keep their queen warm in the winter.Trees do different tasks at night than they do in the day.A greater portion of raccoons' brains is given over to the sense of touch than ours.Gecko toe pads interact at a molecular level with the surface they climb on.What’s one of the most surprising facts you’ve come across while researching your poetry? Many of your books celebrate the beauties of nature, especially little-known parts of nature. I remember in grade school a couple friends and I created a 'graphic novel' (we called it a cartoon) based on magical versions of ourselves. Read what you love and trying writing in the same style.

I would urge young writers to try all different kinds of writing. What would you say to encourage those kids who feel the same drive? Welcome, Joyce! You’ve said that, for you, writing was a compulsion that began as a child. Sidman is an award-winning poet who won the Newbery Honor for her book of poetry, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night, and who was recognized with the NCTE Award for Excellence in Children’s Poetry for her lifetime achievements as a children’s poet. Today we have a very special guest on the blog, poet Joyce Sidman.

This Is Just to Say by Joyce Sidman