Long Overdue Thanks, by Brian Katcher

Okay, time to mention the teachers who helped me become the writer I am today. Whether or not this is a good thing, it's up to you to decide:

Mrs. Dawkins, 3rd grade:

I don't remember this, but apparently she made me revise my poetry notebook to make it better. I came home fuming and told my mother that if I were a real writer, no one would ever make me go back and change anything.

Oh, so much to learn.

Mr. Marshall, 5th grade:

He was the one who taught me that no matter what, you can never end a story with 'and he woke up and it was all a dream.' He also introduced me to Roald Dahl books, a debt which can never be repaid.


Mrs. Turpin, high school speech (and Mr. Smith, drama):

Helped me get over my intense fear of speaking in public.


Mrs. Deters, high school creative writing:

We went back and forth about my constant fart/masterbation jokes, but she always supported and encouraged my creativity. Recently, she admitted that I did, in fact, make an entire career out of my sarcastic tone.

Ms. Somers-Rogers, college freshman English:

First person to suggest that I might have talent as a writer. Too bad I ignored that advice for years.

This list does not include the many math, science, language, etc teachers who have influenced me over the years. And now that I'm a teacher myself, I know how annoying a student like me must have been. Thanks for everything.

FART!