I came to this course mainly to fulfill my art requirement for graduation. I've always considered myself a better appreciator of art than a creator of it. But of all the mediums, words have been my favorite - and writing the only field I feel comfortable in. I'd never taken a creative writing course before, and I was both excited and hesitant to share my attempts with others and receive feedback. Mostly, I hoped to understand myself and evaluate my writing by the reflections of others' understanding. That goal was achieved. I loved the collaborate aspect of this course, which was challenging to implement in a virtual classroom. But by dividing the group into smaller units, I was able to get closer attention and analysis to my pieces, and give my thorough effort in reading and analyzing others' works. I also enjoyed learning the 'mechanics' that go into creative writing. The various forms of poetry, the history of them, the effect of them, and then implementing them. I feel I have a toolbox now to reference when I write in my journal (the only outlet for my creativity). I think the hardest thing for me was sitting down to write without inspiration first urging me to pick up my pen. And, to my surprise, this task was incredibly more difficult when I was given free rein. Because then I had to struggle not only with coming up with an idea, but how to say it. When asked to write with more restrictions (the sonnet, the ghazal, the persona poem), the writing seemed to flow. It seemed like there was less pressure. Leaving this class, I know that when I do feel the need to exorcise my thoughts or emotions, I will be able to do so more powerfully. Maybe even well enough to share with my brothers or friends. I feel less embarrassed about letting others see my writing. That, to me, is kind of huge. Having just finished the final short story assignment, I'd like to add something to this. I was terrified when this task came. I have never tried to write fiction, and I was sure it would be a painful attempt with a poor result. But I had SO MUCH FUN writing it! And I think it might be the piece I'm proudest of - not because it's the best, but because it was the most challenging and the most rewarding. I would never have tried to write a short story had it not been for this course. I am so, so glad I took it.
I came to this course mainly to fulfill my art requirement for graduation. I've always considered myself a better appreciator of art than a creator of it. But of all the mediums, words have been my favorite - and writing the only field I feel comfortable in. I'd never taken a creative writing course before, and I was both excited and hesitant to share my attempts with others and receive feedback. Mostly, I hoped to understand myself and evaluate my writing by the reflections of others' understanding.
ReplyDeleteThat goal was achieved. I loved the collaborate aspect of this course, which was challenging to implement in a virtual classroom. But by dividing the group into smaller units, I was able to get closer attention and analysis to my pieces, and give my thorough effort in reading and analyzing others' works.
I also enjoyed learning the 'mechanics' that go into creative writing. The various forms of poetry, the history of them, the effect of them, and then implementing them. I feel I have a toolbox now to reference when I write in my journal (the only outlet for my creativity).
I think the hardest thing for me was sitting down to write without inspiration first urging me to pick up my pen. And, to my surprise, this task was incredibly more difficult when I was given free rein. Because then I had to struggle not only with coming up with an idea, but how to say it. When asked to write with more restrictions (the sonnet, the ghazal, the persona poem), the writing seemed to flow. It seemed like there was less pressure.
Leaving this class, I know that when I do feel the need to exorcise my thoughts or emotions, I will be able to do so more powerfully. Maybe even well enough to share with my brothers or friends. I feel less embarrassed about letting others see my writing. That, to me, is kind of huge.
Having just finished the final short story assignment, I'd like to add something to this. I was terrified when this task came. I have never tried to write fiction, and I was sure it would be a painful attempt with a poor result. But I had SO MUCH FUN writing it! And I think it might be the piece I'm proudest of - not because it's the best, but because it was the most challenging and the most rewarding. I would never have tried to write a short story had it not been for this course. I am so, so glad I took it.