What Makes a Writer: The Truth About Creative Writing
Do you need to attend a creative writing workshop? It's a question that you've been asking for days after talking to a graduate student. Meeting the other participants, writers and budding writers alike, help her believe in her literary capabilities. One of them reminded her about the bragging rights at the end of the workshop. And she would go on a fellowship. (She hasn't decided on that one, but she would hope for a remote location. Falkland Islands excite her. She might write a novella based on her experience there. She doesn't mind if she's getting too far ahead.) Good for her, you thought. Must you join this so-called bandwagon?
Your first year in the university is about to conclude, and you're still undecided about it. You're able to get some ideas from other participants, who happen to be studying and/or teaching in the English Department. You're supposed to have a clear idea on how to end your story. You're a fan of Stephen King, and his experience should convince you that it's not the case all the time. As a matter of fact, it's quite the opposite in paper writing. One kept on pointing out that the writing about dreams would be prohibited. It's not a forbidden zone if you're a novelist. If you're thinking of making a pass on it in your essay, if not discuss it briefly, then it will be wise to ask your professor about it. And the words coming from the speaker(s) are part of a gospel truth. It will be better to get over the starstruck phase.
Literary criticism is the beginning of your long journey of becoming a writer. Don't be depressed at the thought of not publishing a novel before you reach the age of 30. Many aspiring novelists don't have a bibliography. Yet. In this regard, a creative writing workshop is one stop in that journey. If it unleashes your inner Neil Gaiman (or Joseph Conrad), then well and good. It's not the only path to literary enlightenment, though. Moreover, such workshop shouldn't make you all puffed up. In other words, there's no need to look down on coursemates who can't attend one for whatever reason.
If you're really serious about your craft, then a workshop can be considered as your very own Northwest Passage. There are also words of wisdom from esteemed writers, some of whom are part of your syllabus. You want to know it before you focus on Reading Week.
Silence the Literary Snobs by Doing the Following
A little self confidence (or arrogance) can help you go the distance. If you don't think that you can write an essay of two thousand words, then try saying it to yourself many times. You can even raise your voice (and apologize to your roommate later). If no one believes in you, then no one else will. If there are students (or members of the faculty) who disagree with your ideas, then you must fight for it if it's the only way that will make them look at your literary capabilities differently.
You can get the task done if you stay offline. Time won't be on your side, and you might have a major problem by the time the assignments and examinations come in succession. Social media can wait for another day (or a week at the most).
Don't sweat on the bad drafts. It will be a huge mistake if you don't proofread your paper, so don't mind the errors in the beginning. The goal is to come up with an assignment as soon as possible. Some writers are observant about their daily routine, as they figure out the ideal time (of the day) to sit down and compose their assignment. You should follow this option, as there's no stopping once you come up with your argument. You can write one page at a time, which is fine during the first month of the term. You have to pick up the pace during the month of December and spring semester, but you know it already.
Tap into the subconscious part of your brain. You wonder how you can do it. If you're getting tired of writing, then stand up and walk around your room. If you're struggling to think of your next sentence, then it's a sign that you need some distraction. Don't worry if you can't recall it, as you become familiar with the surroundings one more time. And those light-bulb moments don't happen when you're fully aware of what you're thinking.
Read more if you want to become a better writer. You'll learn that these bits of wisdom come from the likes of Ernest Hemingway. They've been there, they've done that. There's no reason why you can't.
Writing Is Not a Privilege
You might get insecure when someone tells you that attending a creative writing workshop is a privilege. Everyone has a creative side, and writing anything is better than nothing. If you're getting isolated from the long hours of paper writing, then you can talk to your roommate (or dorm mate who is your closest friend). You're in the same boat, though. You may want to ask your mother if it's possible for the pet cat to live with you.
