Last night, I found myself browsing writing courses in my area. I attended a creative writing course a few years back, which was utterly dire. For two reasons: I wasn't as committed to writing as I am now (although the passion was obviously always there), and there was too much poetry for my liking. I've tried. I just can't get into poetry. What's wrong with me?
Tell me, what are your thoughts on writing courses? Have you been on one and did it improve your writing? Am I better off just trawling through the free online courses (on that note, any suggestions?)? Or do you think the best form of learning is through living?
Forgive the barrage of questions. I'm desperate to write well. I want to write as beautifully as Nancy Mitford or Elizabeth Jenkins, but with the lure and page-turning-against-your-will ability of the likes of Virginia Andrews and Stephen King. Is that too much to ask?
In other news... over the past few days, I've found myself poring over all the writing advice on author Jody Hedlund's website. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle nudge. I especially like the post: 4 Ways to Hook Your Readers and Keep Them Wanting More.
Despite being somewhat dubious, I've also printed out a Character Worksheet from The Writer's Craft. It strikes me as potentially useful, as it doesn't require me to write down what the character's neighbour's goldfish looks like. Time will tell whether it will prove beneficial; I'll be sure to let you know!
Aside from doing some housework (which simply cannot be ignored any longer), I hope to chain myself to the writing desk today. After all, as Neil Gaiman once told us, the Writing Elves aren't going to come along and finish my work for me!
Have a lovely weekend :) x ◦
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