Lessons in Writing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Lessons in Writing

A short reflection on four years worth of workshops.

18
Lessons in Writing
ABC News

After a near four years as a creative writing major at two different southern liberal arts colleges, I’ve seen my fair share of workshop classes. These have ranged from an all-genre encompassing intro class, to more ideally focused courses in poetry and creative non-fiction. I even dipped my toes in the daunting waters of a fiction-writing seminar at the school I shortly attended during my junior year, the resulting stories of which I honestly consider unmitigated creative disasters. Genre aside, each of these academic adventures have been building momentum to the baffling statement of finality that is a creative writing senior seminar and a last semester of writing workshops, unless my post-graduation plans change—which is more than possible. Either way, I am terrified of the thought of an ending.

There’s something quite panic-inducing about the nature of workshop classes in general, and that’s because the work created to present in these classes is often times quite personal. One might think the pieces don’t have to be personal because you know you’re working for a particular audience whom you’re very aware you’ll have to face directly, but this worst person to disappoint in these types of venues is yourself. As a writer, it’s challenging to feel pride in something that doesn’t carry a bit of oneself between the lines. It’s nerve-wracking to present anything, but even more so to present a blasé piece you can’t even see the value in yourself. So the game becomes personal quickly, and you’ll inevitably hold on to every word said, for better or for worse.

But not only are your own personal thoughts being presented to the table, you are also subjected to the innerworkings of the peers seated around you at the table. Which, don’t get me wrong, is absolutely enlightening and even more fascinating. But at the same time, it gives one a guilty feeling of being some kind of an emotional voyeur. And that kind of guilt is hard to shake, making potentially intellectual or valuable comments stay inside. In certain situations almost everyone experiences this, and it makes the art of critique almost as much of a creatively pursued endeavor as the writing itself. A workshop class creates an environment where trust in oneself and one’s peers is integral.

If I’ve learned one thing in reflection, it’s this personally revealing element of the workshop that teaches the most. The most worthwhile takeaways from a workshop may have nothing to do with accepting or giving critique at all, but rather discovering a million other ways to stay personal. I had a professor who always used to—and I’m sure still does—urge his students to only accept the suggestions they felt had value to them in a personal sense for any particular piece. That piece of advice has called out more resonantly in my mind over the years than any even particularly voracious piece of criticism or flattering compliment. In no way did he encourage to disregard sound advice from peers or professors, but rather to allow yourself to prioritize and move forward. And I always find myself repeating that idea; no creative progress was ever made by dwelling.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191737
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15758
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458514
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26970
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments