Last night I read an article in the New Yorker, a 2009 issue, that's not really THAT far behind considering. "Show and Tell" by Louis Menand. Mainly critical of the entire creative writing workshoping model. That 'creative writing', whatever that is, cannot be taught this way. The class I took all last year was taught in this model. And the author, at the end, twists and says how personally useful this format was for him.
It is odd and difficult. But it gave me courage to try my hand at writing. I do it every day on this blog, for better or for worse. I started out last year with the anthem "I'm all about the arts and I won't let my lack of talent stop me" I've gotten a few pieces published in modest arenas.
I'm now working on two big historical papers for my class I'm taking this year. They only require one, but I can write two, if I want, right? What's stopping me? And, as many people like myself facing that Landmark Birthday reflect, what am I waiting fo?. I've got the time so just go for it. What's the worse that can happen? I'll write a lousy paper? So what????
Personally, I'm glad that I got to experience a creative writing class taught in a workshop model. She told us she teaches the class on a MFA level. I believe it. I learned a lot and had to work hard doing it. My friend Ann (who I'm working with) is taking the class this year and she loves it. So much to learn!
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