So, guess what? I’m currently doing a writing course! It’s long overdue; I wish I’d done it a long time ago. But I’m doing it now, and I love it, and it’s great, and I love it, and I wish it would never end, and I love it.
I have always worked well to deadlines and prompts. Tell me I have a week to write anything about any topic I want, and I’ll tear my hair out. Tell me I have half an hour to write an article about toothbrushes, and I’ll have it researched, planned, written, edited and submitted to you ten minutes early.
It’s no surprise then that I’m loving the in-class writing prompts.
I used the word ‘loving’ on purpose. I’m loving them. I’m not always nailing them. As a reformed perfectionist, I’m proud to say that’s okay. And I’m even more proud to say I mean it.
The point is not to write perfectly every time. The point is to WRITE. To get the words out of my head so I can add, subtract or rearrange. Or so I can discard, and make room in my head for more words.
I thought I’d share some of the results. Sharing stories and words I’ve deemed not good enough for a bigger project is possibly not the best move for a wannabe published author, but *shrugs in bloggish*.
A few weeks back, I had five minutes to write a short story about a day at the beach without using the letter E.
Here’s what I came up with.
—
TH_ B_ACH
Soft squishy sand running through hand
Warm briny liquid splashing on land
Boat on horizon, shush-sailing by
Brilliant sunlight, bright cobalt sky
Gull flippy-flapping, soaring on air
Salty aroma, wind in my hair
Scruffy scruff-jumping, barking in A
Big doggy snug hugs, happyful day
—
Have you ever done a writing course? What did you think?
And, if you’re keen, I’d love you to use the writing prompt! How would you write about the beach without using the letter E?
Oh that’s exciting! What course is it? Love the prompt but that would be so hard to do!! You’ve done really well with it. I have done a few writing courses – a Grad Dip and also some short courses through AWC. Have I put them to use? Umm…not so sure. But I have enjoyed learning! Good luck with the course!
Thank you! It was a writing for children course. I did it mostly to make sure it was what I wanted to do. And it is!
Oh I love that you’re doing a writing course and loving it! We’re so different- creative writing to prompts with deadlines makes me want to vomit with anxiety. Non-fiction to prompt with deadline is fine though!
Thank you! I love that we both love writing and can bounce ideas off each other but have such different processes to get there.
I think I’d fail a writing course with flying colours. Just thinking about deadlines makes me feel queasy! I wouldn’t know where to start with that no “e” b-ach scenario but you totally nailed it!
Some prompts are most definitely harder than others!
I did take a writing subject or two at uni but didn’t find them very creative. Have never taken a private creative writing course but I do remember liking some prompt based writing in high school for the challenge of the restriction.
I never did at uni. Started to get embarrassed by my writing in high school and didn’t back myself. Making up for lost time!
Yeah!!! Nothing better than studying something that just makes your heart sing. I’m studying a dip in counselling and loving it.
Oh, wow! That sounds challenging. But so rewarding. Good luck!
People who have a way with words amaze me! I could not fathom taking a writing course. Love your poem! =)
Thank you very much!
Lov_ this so much _mily. What a gr_at id_a. I too work w_ll to a d-adlin_.
Thank you so much, D_nys_!