If you haven’t already worked out by now, I love writing. I have read thousands of novels since I was a child which has led to an interest and love for story-telling. However, you can probably guess how my own story goes. School, College, fruitless promises to write in the summer all resulted in a whole load of nothing substantial. I have started yet never completed but I guess that is in part due to my rapidly shifting maturity. I could not really continue with the story based on my favourite computer game once I realised it sounded cringe worthy and childish. Nor could I expand on the story of the hapless detective once my thoughts matured and my interests turned towards the more meaningful side of things. Now though, I think I am ready to develop my skills as a writer and to experiment with language.

That is why next year at university, I will be taking two creative writing modules. One for poetry and one for prose. Now I know what a lot of people say about creative writing classes; that they are useless and a waste of time but I for one am definitely looking forward to them. If they do turn out to be hopeless then I will have six other modules to occupy me. However, I have a feeling that they will be a lot more enjoyable than other modules. Finally a place to discuss your own writing, to be prompted to write, to share ideas and receive critical feedback. When I watched the film Wonder Boys, I immediately knew that I had to experience a creative writing class, for better or for worse. I want to be in an environment where I am stimulated to write.

I wonder if any of you have been to a creative writing class? I guess it is one of those things where the experience depends on the individual which ironically is the same with every English class. Why are there some who benefit greatly whilst others try their best but don’t get anything out of it? Alas, the subjectivity of writing,

Until Next Time

A Worried Student   

13 thoughts on “I Want To Write”

  1. I actually have taken two Creative Writing classes(short stories and a novel writing course). I think the best thing I got out of them were contacts with other aspiring writers and people willing to be critical of your work because they don’t know you that well. (while also learning how to critique my own work objectively.)

    That, and I actually got some good knowledge on the workings of the writing market and what needs to be done to succeed and all that.

    I don’t see any issues in taking Creative Writing classes as long as you understand where people come from by saying their useless…and decide to go in there attempting to learn things you haven’t learned before. They’re as useful as you want to make them…but I think that’s about right for any course, particularly in college.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sounds like you had a good experience. Was it part of a university degree or a separate course? Just wondering about what kind’ve contacts I can make if everyone is in the same boat as me. I guess I could find people willing to read each other’s work not only for the class but for the future.

      Yep I am definitely going to go in with a positive mindset. I really want to refine my writing in order to create something.
      That’s true.
      Thanks for your comment 😀

      Like

      • Eh, it was more for my own personal study then to get a degree for it. I already had a degree, but had the time, and I always wanted to try out some Creative Writing courses (and I was hoping to get some more “official” experience and critiques from other people.)

        The contacts you’ll make will help you out I think. For a few years after I took the courses I was part of a monthly writing group that would meet and we’d talk about our progress on our own novels and projects, reading and giving everyone critiques on what they’ve done, and tossing around suggestions to help each other out.

        I can’t say you’ll be able to get THAT level, but I can also say I think there’s a good chance that it’s possible.

        Honestly though, you have the perfect mindset for creative writing courses, so I think you’ll enjoy it and get some great ideas and support out of it.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. I would tell you just write man, just go and do it. Before, during and after the creative writing classes. Write on your blog, on a friend’s, on someone else’s, but just do it.

    I do know what it’s like letting a story go. My first novel idea turned out to be much bigger than I could handle at the moment. It was too much for my skill in conveying scenes and ideas and characters and feelings, so I let it go. And last year I let go a series of short stories on my site, The Mental Attic, because there were too many main characters and I was really writing 5 or 6 series at the same time and juggling them all became unbearable.

    I’ve since written two novels (unpublished), the first one being one of the hardest and most fulfilling experiences in my life and I’ve started a new web-novel for the site based on the world of the short stories but now with single-character focus.

    Just because you’ve stopped something doesn’t mean you’re giving up. Sometimes stopping is the right choice. But never stop trying my friend, always keep the mind churning. And those examples, the hapless detective and the idea based on a game, write them. Even if it’s only an outline of where the story might go, use them a creative exercises, something I think will only help during your classes.

    As for me, I never had the pleasure of attending any such classes. I got into this much later. I’m a software developer by trade, so my Uni years were more technically focused. Nowadays I sometimes wish I had known how much I loved writing, maybe I would’ve done things differently!

    Best of luck with the classes and I’m waiting to see what you’ll write 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  3. When I was in high school and university I took creative writing classes. I found the assignments to be motivating and inspirational. I like working within restraints ( this is particularly true with visual art, which is what I spend my time on now). I think it promotes creativity. Some people hate doing that sort of thing, so they wouldn’t like a writing class.

    But I think the main factor is the teacher. If you like the way they see things and if you work well with their vision, you’ll get tons out of the class. If you can’t relate to them, the class will suck. If there’s someway to see reviews other students wrote about the Professor that might help a lot. Or you could ask to see a copy of the syllabus.

    The other big thing is how well you can take serious criticism. A lot of writing teachers are tough on writing that you feel is your baby. Be prepared to scrap everything over and over.

    If you can stand it, you might really become a better writer.

    Good luck! I think it’s worth doing. 🙂

    Like

  5. I completely have the same worries. It is hard to continue writing something as you are maturing but don’t be disappointed about not finishing because it counts as practice. I’m in college too pursuing a minor in Creative Writing but once had a teacher tell me that in order to master something you have to spend 1,000 hours doing it. So keep at it, even if you have works that you do not finish. I also hope you have a good experience in a creative writing class. It does depend on the experience but you should go in with an open mind. I’m taking a writing fiction class right now and it seems to be going well right now. Peer reviewing helps A LOT but its good to be surrounded by people in different skill levels. Hopefully you your classmates will also have similar ambitions as you. =)

    Liked by 1 person

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