My college classes start back in three weeks. A few weeks ago in a moment of either panic or common sense, I dropped my fiction workshop and signed up for a creative non-fiction workshop instead.
I haven't worked on my historical fiction for about a month. The class is kind of pricey, and I didn't want to waste it getting feedback on work that wasn't close. I didn't want the fun to be sucked out of writing. I don't think I dropped it out of fear of failure - I'm one of those people that will get an A no matter what it takes; but I was worried about what it would take. I was feeling like my life force was sucked dry already - yes, that metaphor assumes our life forces are liquid . . . that's possible, right?
I think the creative non-fiction class will be relatively easy for me and not that much unlike blogging (I could be dead wrong, in which case I will drop the class immediately). My expectation is it won't feel like work. I have a vision of what I want to write and intend to use this blog to write bits and pieces and basically string the posts together for class. If nothing else, I can test out the content on you all.
The bonus for you is my posts for the next 20 weeks should be less Me, Me, Me! (not unlike this one) and more about something of sustenance.
So my class schedule was set, and I was still feeling bad physically - zero energy 24/7. Then I got some amazing blood pressure pills and instantly felt like myself again.
By myself I mean twenty years younger than I was feeling and back to the tightly wound, high-energy, goal-oriented, somewhat compulsive person that makes for a good writer but strikes fear into my husband's heart because if I have a to-do list for myself, I have one for him too. Sorry, honey.
Once I got my energy back and dove back into my WIP, taking the fiction workshop in addition to the creative non-fiction workshop didn't seem like a terrible idea (except for the cost). So I'm signed up for both. Yikes, right? But I think if I walk in with the right mindset - that I'm there to learn - it will be a great experience. Plus, I've decided to bring in my older WIPs, the ones that are done but not completely polished rather than using the class to finish my historical fiction.
The bonus is I only have to present my work about every four weeks for each class - the downside is I have to read and critique everyone else's work every week for each class. It pains me to write this, but some graduate students don't know where the commas go. And some don't have a filter on the content if you know what I mean.
The bottom line is I think I'm back to the place where I can resume blogging (both writing and reading/commenting) and have some ideas for interesting content. I just need to figure out a schedule for reading posts - probably evenings and weekend. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
I'll always hang with you.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have your energy back from the wonder drugs. Twenty years younger? Maybe I need them as well.
You're going to score big in those classes.
The right medicine can do wonders. Glad you have your class schedule set and are happy about it.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck, Tonja. Having the goals set gives you focus.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you're feeling better! Just having those renewed energy levels will probably make a huge difference when classes start back up again. Enjoy the rest of your summer! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the medicine helped you. I had to laugh about the to-do lists for your husband. :D
ReplyDeleteI hope you will enjoy the class and it will indeed feel like blogging, sounds like a good class. It's always nice to hang out with you. :)
Tonja -- wow, so glad you discovered the problem was physical, not mental, and fixable!!! I've recently had a problem of my own crop up, and emotionally, I was drained by it. Saw the doctor today, however, had some tests, got some medicine, and I'm already feeling spiritually better -- like the end is in sight, I wasn't crazy after all, and yeah -- I should have called the doctor sooner instead of being "stoic." (My husband gets to say "I told you so" now.)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your classes!!
I think it is just fantastic reading your posts again. I am glad you got your medication sorted out and that you are feeling better. I look forward to reading what you come up with in the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes, I'm guilty of making to-do lists for my husband, too. I can't help it. Thank goodness he usually takes it well.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your creative nonfiction class! I think it makes sense to save the fiction one for when you're ready for it -- as long as you are, someday. Happy writing!
Glad to hear you're feeling better--and glad to see you back!! Always love your posts :)
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