Trials and Simulations

When I first started writing again a few years ago, I found it hard to decide whether or not to take any creative writing classes. My fear was that I would be trained to be what I refer to as a ‘cookie-cutter’ author, who follows story formulas, strict grammatical standards and preordained plots (though I have now realized this is true, no matter an author's training - too many stories have been written to truly come up with anything original).

However, when I decided to take the plunge and become involved in learning the craft, I found the year-long program in college did have some aspects of simulating an author into a writing drone but not in the way expected. Of course, in order to catch the attention of readers there are certain standards of writing capabilities and known tricks of the trade that change a piece from mediocre and bland to fantastic and exciting. To tell the truth, I didn’t learn much from the year-long program (other than the fact that the program had me actively writing again) but subsequent coursework proved very useful and encouraging. The amazing people I met in my last class helped me in ways I cannot even describe, complete with a mixture of connections between writers and understanding between friends.

As my writing continues, there is a small sense of loss for my old comrades in college that are off taking new programs or onto the next stage of their lives. A few connections remain, but acceptance of this missing support system leads me to wonder if new bonds can be formed as quickly but last longer than a quarter in college. With that in mind, this Sunday I will meet with a new group of writers that are unconnected with the college. This is a brand new group of people who have never met before, but I'm hoping all will work itself out in time.

In the next few months (Fall Quarter), there will be a lot of reading, writing and discussing about the novel I am drafting. Currently, I have drafted the prologue through chapter three of a speculative fiction novel (aka fantasy or science fiction genres; in this case fantasy). The characters for this book have been begging to be committed to paper for over five years, though the plot is only somewhat developed. Thankfully, with some perseverance I was able to secure a faculty member at my college that would sign off on a sixteen-credit independent study so that I may continue my novel. This is a rare and unique opportunity to have a captive audience to read my work (and provide feedback), an incentive to continue writing and the ability to design my own study program. I'm very excited but also realize the immense amount of work in front of me. More trials and simulations to come!