It is always, always such a treat to begin a semester with new writers. They come into class a bit timidly, fearful I think, that the stories of their hearts could be crushed with criticism in workshop. My job is to show them that they’ve got the imagination and talent and now it’s time to perservere and develop the self-discipline to revise — not once or twice but maybe even 15 times. I spend a lot of time explaining that workshop is not about likes or dislikes and it’s not about personality; it’s about craft. Talking about what’s on the page is a way to help writers translate stories using the tools of craft so that the world can feel the way they beat real as blood in our hearts. My new students’ first workshops are occuring over this week and next.
I love watching them shift and develop as they learn that we do indeed see a character’s fatal flaw and we also see the character’s goodness and need and desire. As workshop progresses and students’ see that others recognize the story conflict and also know more about the character through action on the page than from backstory — so go ahead and cut it all — they start to relax. Their shoulders come down, they start to breathe, they take notes and, after their first workshop, they ask questions about how to show it better.
Each semester, I get to witness such a transformation in each of my students, from student to passionate writer. And I absolutely know I love my job because I get to witness this transformation everytime.
On another note — there’s some really wild and fun stuff happening —-
Who would think that there’s a rocker who has the powerful voice and looks of Janis Joplin and who would think that we’d be getting together to share our art? But we are!
Annie Rose will be performing her tribute Pure Janis On February 2, 2013 at 7 pm at the Capitol Civic Center Manitowoc in Wisconsin. I’ll be joining her to sell and sign copies of Janis Joplin Rise Up Singing. Come along — listen to the music, learn why Janis still speaks to audiences and influences singers and writers alike. Celebrate with us!
