I’ve taught writing for more than 25 starting at NYU and moving on to a series of writing workshops conducted here in upstate New York.

Writing and publishing have changed, as have I, and it’s more complex than ever. This week, a new chapter for me, my eight-week (once a week) Writing Workshop kicks off at Bishop Maginn High School on Wednesday.

I  have 12 students in the class, I hope they will grace me with enough stories so that we can publish a book around Christmas called “Tales Of Bishop Maginn High School.”

I’m going to ask each of them to suggest a personal story from their own lives, we’ll share everything with the class and decide together just what kind of book it will be.

I’m bringing some yellow and red notebooks, some pens and four books to give them: essays by Where I Was From, by Joan Didion; Turtles All The Way Down, by John Green, Saving Simon by yours truly, and Beyond the World And Me, by Ta-Hesi Coates.

The reading is optional, but if they wish, these books may offer some ideas for narrative, for telling a story. My classes aim to be fun and supportive, not pompous or stiff. Too many writing workshops turn people off and discourage real writing, they focus on grammar and structure and scare the students.

For me, writing is about emotion and voice, it can teach us to be authentic and understand the world around us. Most people aren’t serious about writing, but I usually find one or two who get lit up and turn towards a creative life.

That’s the payoff for me.

I emphasize the importance of the Internet in modern publishing, and I will urge every one of these students to start a blog if they don’t already have one. Blogs are the most creative revolution to writing since the printing press, I believe.

I’ve got 12 students in the class, which is just right. We’re meeting at lunch hour, they’ll bring lunch with them. The class will run until the holidays, and if they want me back, I’ll do it again next Spring. I’ve met about half the class, they are extremely impressive.

I’ll ask for the bring their story to class each week, we’ll all read it and comment on it.

I do not agree that I am famous, but I have written 26 books, and if there is anything worthwhile I can pass on to these kids, I’ll be very happy. It’s an opportunity for them, and also for me.

I hope we can create a great book together.