Book Description

"Even though I like to write, I don't always get myself to sit down and do it. But I do have methods-timers, rewards, sayings I've made up: I'm smart enough to know I need to trick myself to get some things done, and I'm dumb enough to fall for my own tricks." For fifteen years, Debbie Merion has used writing prompts to help students write their best possible college essays. In her memoir, From the Period. To the Colon:, she uses the same prompts to get to the heart of her own story. Whether as a handwritten list of her ambitions for when she grew up, or her story about conquering her fear of dogs as an adult, writing felt good to Debbie from the age of eight. In her Northeast Philly neighborhood in the 60's and '70s, persistence, grit, tenacity, and determination-whatever you call it-informed Debbie's life, and those of her parents and grandparents. Debbie captures both this moment in time and her love of the written word through story and photos, making the past suddenly become present.