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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

School's In for Summer - IWSG July





This is my July post for Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers' Support Group.  For more posts on the subject of writers encouraging other writers, click here.

Last week, I started my Grub Street writing class: The Novel in Progress.  Other than work-related seminars and a grant-funded writing workshop offered by our library two years ago, I haven’t taken a class since college.  Since I became serious about my writing, it's been four plus years of self-education, baby--so in the hours before the class, a few spare butterflies floated around.  But call them moths, really.  For the most part, I stepped from one foot to the other in anticipation of three hours each week in a class focused on the craft I love.

Our first assignment required that we bring page one of our current work-in-progress to read in front of the group, so of course I edited my first page to death.  On Tuesday, I printed it out, slapped it into a folder and drove six miles to the class location.  Ask my husband and daughter.  Normally, when I start something new, I  morph into a panicked, pacing monster.  But Tuesday, I descended the hill and bumped over the railroad tracks on my way to the harborside office one town over, breathing easy.  I didn’t beat myself up that my writing isn’t good enough or arrive a half hour early only to take a walk, afraid to be the first one in.  I didn’t quiver that everyone in the room would be more accomplished then me.  I simply stolled in, greeted the teacher and grinned.

To be truthful, there are very good writers in the class.  But listening to these talented people share their brilliant writing inspired me to keep charging forward in my drive to improve my own.  Is there anything more enjoyable than hearing a sentence that spirals down deep, causing you to go, “Whoa. How did she think of that?”  I drove home batting words around in my head, embracing a renewed commitment, as well as solid criticism in regard to what I need to look out for when I write. 

So for the next seven Tuesdays, think of me, a kid in summer school and the big guys are letting me play with them. So far, it’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had.

Happy Fourth of July to all.  Hope you are all enjoying summer!

17 comments:

jabblog said...

Good for you. It sounds as though you're getting a lot out of your classes.

Anonymous said...

I agree good for you, I wish there was something like that where I live,
Good luck.

Yvonne.

Christina Farley said...

What an interesting blog series. Happy 4th of July!

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I'm glad you're enjoying your class and that the other participants are people you feel you can learn with!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liza, you have taken on a great attitude towards that class! You will reap the benefits.
And if you discover how she thought of that line, please let me know.

Anonymous said...

Encouraging post! Good to know you're enjoying the class. I've gotta know what that line was too. After all, I'm Feeling Nosey, heh heh.

Molly/Cece said...

I find the best stuff in writing classes. This makes me want to take a class.

Yolanda Renée said...

Sounds like a great class, and good for you getting out of it as much as you can! That's the progress you want, and I am envious, wish that I could join you!

Old Kitty said...

Well done you!! And it sounds like this is a very supportive and most talented and vibrant group too! Enjoy! Take care
x

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Good for you! I love being around other writers. It's just inspiring.

Unknown said...

Sometimes I think I should take a novel writing class. I've taken a lot of writing classes but never one on novel structure. I'm on my second book now and the editing process leaves me feeling lost.

Misha Gerrick said...

Oh that's wonderful! I'd love to take a class like that one day.

Enjoy it! And do share your lessons. ;-)

Mark Koopmans said...

This was one of the *best* posts I've ever read concerning writers conferences and/or classes.

I hope tons of people who are considering a class or a conference read this and get as much encouragement as I did - and I've been to several conferences:)

Happy Fourth to you and yours, Liza :)

Anonymous said...

I'm sure when you shared your work, some of them said, "Wow, I hope I learn to write like that!"

Carol Kilgore said...

Now that's the way to approach a class! Have loads of fun and learn lots.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Oh, how exciting! That class sounds absolutely wonderful. I'm happy for you.

Bish Denham said...

There's nothing quite like getting inspired by other writers/teachers. Have fun!