I’m glad I’m taking this creative non-fiction writing class. Weekly homework, reading assignments, class discussion, critiquing each other’s work, the whole bit. It’s like school should’ve been the first time around. I probably could learn much of this stuff on my own, working with a writing instructor privately, but the structure of a weekly class and assignments makes it easier to stay on task. And critiquing other people’s writing actually does help me learn… something I initially doubted.
I presented draft three of the “Why Women Don’t Want Sex with Us” essay two weeks ago. I was strangely not nervous when it came time to read it out loud. Maybe it’s because I’m not worried about performing to impress — my usual problem. I know much of my stuff sucks but I’m confident in my ability to learn. I’m an enthused novice. And already, it’s making writing more enjoyable.
I’m a sponge, soaking up the criticism which is making so much sense to me. I’m just jazzed up about learning the craft. I’m also a bit amused at my ignorance and arrogance. I should have done this long ago, but for some reason, I just had it in my head that I could write well enough and hiring someone to lightly edit the essays after I was done with them was enough. Now that I know a little more, I can see that I don’t know shit from shinola. Ah, the hubris. But amusement seems a more helpful reaction than self-doubt, which several other people in the class are struggling with.
I’m having trouble keeping up with my Real Joe blogging, though, and I’m not sure what to do about it, other than to report it here. I thought about posting my writing class notes and homework assignments but that’s not exactly what people read Real Joe for. I’ll do it if it’s an assignment that meshes closely with what Real Joe is about. But otherwise, expect less quantity over the next two months. And hopefully, higher quality after that.