The temperature here dropped a few degrees in the last week of August, a reminder (or warning) that autumn is just around the corner. This time of year Ray, Rusty and I would normally be taking a week away somewhere. Since that’s out of the question, my thoughts have turned to classes (not my own, those plans are already shaping up nicely). I’ve been looking at what else is available.
Most years I spend a lot of time browsing lit-fest brochures, highlighting things that I know I won’t get to. Travel, time and accommodation always defeat me equally.
Not any more. The upside of the continuing restrictions on public meetings is that many events have moved on-line. It has finally dawned on me that I can go anywhere in this virtual country.
Saturday morning I found Short Story September organised by Farhana Shaikh of Dahlia Books, in Leicester. I’d missed the first session, but there was a masterclass onΒ Imagery and Structure in Short Fiction with Farhana Khalique & Anita Goveas that afternoon. A few clicks later and I was booked on it.
From ten-to-three we began to gather in our virtual classroom. Introductions were made, a few ground-rules laid, and then we were off, reading samples of stories, thinking about them, and trying out ideas of our own. Ink flowed. We broke away into small groups and compared notes, then got back together and wrote more.
Both tutors bubbled with infectious enthusiasm. That’s energizing. They delivered an hour-long session each, which provided contrasting and complementary approaches to the subject.
At the finish, I had rough drafts for several stories. This is the physical evidence of a good writing session.
As after any well-designed workout, I realised I was tired, but not drained. I’d been encouraged to stretch, but not strain, my creativity.
Later, having drawn breath and reflected, I felt freshened. I love seeing the literary world through the prism of another writer’s viewpoint. In addition to that, I’d been introduced to some stories I might not have discovered on my own, and I had five pages of new story ideas. That’s what I call a useful session.
Sounds fantastic, Cath! Glad you had such a great writing session and I hope to see some of your stories in the future! π
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Thanks, Ola. I’m working on them!
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That was great Cath, that you got to do something you love.
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π
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I also am finding these virtual workshops invigorating. I am booked into a couple as well. Now we can attend without the hassle and cost of travelling to the location. IΒ΄m liking this! (Although meeting people in person is still a good thing to do when possible.)
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Yes, I do look forward to getting back to some local events, but meantime I’m making the most of the chance to travel further.
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That sounds terrific. I was part of a writing studio and when it closed, I had a hard time recreating the experience with a writing group. I love the camaraderie and support that a group provides. I may need to look into finding a group like that again. Thanks for the inspiration, Cath.
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It was lovely, Pam. It’s over a year since I last got to a workshop session, so this was wonderful.
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Wow, itβs been 5 or 6 for me and I just finished the first draft of my next novel so itβs been a lonely road with no critique group to lean on. π€ͺ
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That is a long time, but a novel under the belt suggests you’re getting along well without them.
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Well, I guess it depends on whether is itβs any good, Cath.π€ͺπ€
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It’s easy to forget the creative stimulation one gets from interacting directly with other people, even if it is online and not in person. Thanks for the reminder to come up for air, Cath. π
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I try to get along to a workshop at least once during the year, Chris, ideally more.
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That does sound interesting. I like your line–“stretch, but not strain, my creativity.” Stress is a good thing when not to the extreme.
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Yes, when I join a writing workshop I do like to feel I’ve been given a workout, but not to the point of exhaustion.
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I admire your enthusiasm, Cath π
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Thanks, Rosaliene.
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A blog-post full of positive, encouraging vibes!
Attending such workshops is indeed a great idea to churn our creativity.
Thank you for sharing it with us Cath.
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I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it, Jagriti. It was very invigorating.
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You struck gold. Were you expecting such good results?
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I always hope, Neil. But there can never be certainty, even with the best leaders. I might be having an off day…
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This sounds amazing and something I had never thought of, I love talking ‘writing’!
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The two hours whizzed by so fast – always a good sign. There are some really good places to have on-line conversations on writing at the moment.
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how did you find them?
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I signed up for some newsletters from various publishing sites. Many of them are offering all kinds of on-line material now. So are places like Word Factory and Arvon. Then there’s WEA, who’ve masses of courses signing up now. I’ve also googled literary festivals. It depends whether you’re looking for writing exercises or to listen to talks by authors, or join in conversations around literature.
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Thanks Cath, I’ll go and have a look
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A positive response in a negative time, Cath, hope the stimulus leads to pleasing results for you.
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The next part is up to me, I suppose, Dave.
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I can always think of reasons not to start, alas!
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I can identify with that.
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I don’t think I have the stamina for a workshop at the moment, Cath, but I have enjoyed the online literary festivals and I agree – this has been one of the benefits of lockdown. It sounds like this particular workshop was perfect for you and has been productive and positive in many ways. Good luck with your own lesson planning!
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It was a lovely experience, Sandra. I know what you mean about stamina, I’ve been recuperating after an unexpected health blip this summer, and missed several festivals I might otherwise have been tempted by. This one was a corner-turning moment for me. The lesson plans are beginning to come together now, thank you.
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I hope you’re feeling better now Cath. I still have a way to go but I’m getting there πβΊοΈ
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Lot’s better, thank you, Sandra. I’m getting there there too. I’m glad to hear that you’re also on the road out.
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Oh, that’s me, too–all the perusing of retreats and conferences I know I can’t attend. How awesome you got to attend virtually! Will you share any of those stories here, you think?
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It’s possible, Jean, but they’re all at the rough-draft stage at the moment, so depends on my making some re-working time.
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Understood. π
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