Writing Isn’t An Easy Game
As I’m preparing to conduct my first writing workshop I’m faced with the realisation that writing isn’t an easy game. Flicking through all my carefully prepared notes and handouts for the workshop I realise what a task I’m about to begin. To help facilitate new and enthusiastic writers into a world of fiction writing is both exciting and humbling for me. While it is a little daunting to know most of those attending this weekend are not budding romance writers, but are interested in general fiction instead, I know so many of the basic “rules” for writing cross all fiction genres. After all, one of the most helpful and intuitive “how to write” books I read near the beginning of my writing career was that written by Stephen King. Now there is nothing of my writing which could be aligned to any Stephen King book.
The hardest decision was to sort out what a new writer needs to know to get started. For a lot of this I referred to the list of weekly subjects Loree Lough had provided on the course I attended in Maryland. I figured that she got me onto the road to writing, completing and submitting a novel through her course, so following her guidelines was a sensible way to approach my workshop preparation. I ended up with hundreds of pages of detail I wanted to share. The length of time she had to impart her knowledge versus my short few hours meant culling out numerous items from my presentation. But I believe I have a package which will provide enough for these new writers to develop something meaningful.
Embarking on the idea of providing writing workshops has opened my eyes to the satisfaction writing brings to me. It might not be easy, it might not suit everyone, but it is the career I chose and it is one I will continue as long as I’m able. I am thrilled by the opportunity to share what I have learned during my journey with others, and feel blessed by those who have helped me on this route. I am again filled with a sense of enthusiasm for my own writing which has been lacking over the last few months. Roll on this weekend and my first writing workshop.