This is surprising. I feel like I say the wrong thing, or repeat myself ("I think this is really great!"). I think there needs to be more training for Workshop before we begin. There's one main rule we follow: When one is being critiqued, one cannot defend oneself. This makes sense. However, I think there need to be more rules/guidelines--not many more, just a few. For instance, perhaps there are stock phrases or ways to frame a critical statement that can make the meat of the comment more easily heard.
* Having said the above, getting critiqued for the first time ever in my life (except in my "commercial" writing, which doesn't count as much, really) was a true milestone. Honestly, I was hoping everyone would tell me my work is brilliant. Of course I did! I got lots of positive feedback, but not that one. However, that's an ego thing I just have to grapple with. This is not a bad thing.
* I am writing a lot. (For me, writing 10 hours a week is A LOT.) Yee ha!
* Signed up for an online publishing course--you know, where they smash you over the head with the realities of becoming a published author? One of my fellow writers said, "Just go right now and get yourself out of that class!" Too late to get a refund, but she was right, so I am a non-participant. I have wanted to write my entire life. Now I am. That's all that matters at this point. My mantra: Just do it. Do not be practical. Hard for a Virgo.
* Grappling with not making money right now. Husband is totally supportive. Or mostly. But I still feel guilty. (Note: I have some money of my own, which helps. Not a lot, but enough to feel lucky. That money is not forever, though, so I do have a bit of a flame under my butt. That's probably a good thing...)
* Am using my creative experiences to inform the way I'm teaching fourth-grade writing at a local elementary school. What a dull curriculum there, by way of No Child Left Behind! There are things that must be covered. Yet even in that case, it's not hard to approach such assignments with a bit more creativity. And I'm not talking anything fancy here--just ways to look at the process that seem to fire these young writers up even slightly. (So sad to witness what they consider "writing." It's really all about following a tired formula and using good handwriting. Wonder how many future Cathers and Hemingways and Grishoms are getting buried in the process. Aaaargh!)
