I’m a big believer in stepping outside the comfort zone. It’s important not only to challenge ourselves and to continuously learn, but to model that “try something new” attitude for the children in our lives.
I’ve tried several new-to-me activities in the past few years; many of these were pushing my physical endurance – road races, a sprint triathlon, and that big 60-mile walk I did over 3 Days this summer. This is notable because I have always been quite leisurely when it comes to activity – strolling, pedaling and splashing beat running, biking and swimming any day! At the age of 40-something I decided to ‘just do it.’
Now I’m stretching myself creatively. Instead of continuing to say “one day I’d like to turn all that genealogical research into a solid short story” (or if I’m really feeling daring, “a series of short stories”), I took a step toward getting it done. I went to a writing workshop on Saturday, and it was … terrific!
The group met for two hours at a local bookstore. Newtonville Books has fantastic events for adults and children, including “Books and Brews” readings (OK, those are for adults only!). Yes, a Spotlight on Bookstores post will be coming soon!
We were two men and eight women, plus the instructor, Jim Scott. If Jim, June, Nadine, Martha, Rene, June (yes, two Junes; we joked “one more and we’ll have a Julia Glass novel.”), George, Cheryl, Robin, or Alisha have made their way here from the workshop … hello and *waves*. We came from all around the metro-Boston area, and from a variety of professional backgrounds; each brought a personal motivation to the workshop. Jim (James P. Scott) has an MFA from Emerson College and has had work published in several journals including One Story and American Short Fiction.
He led us through a number of exercises around character development, many from the book I’ve pictured at the top of this post, Naming the World, edited by Bret Anthony Johnston. This is a great tool – many authors have contributed to the exercises and prompts in the book – Joyce Carol Oates, Dorothy Allison, DeWitt Henry, and Elizabeth Strout, to name a few.
I was amazed by how much writing I did in two short hours. I filled nine notebook pages with character names, physical descriptions, reactions, dialogue … even a list of ten items found in my character’s bathroom (this was one of my favorite exercises; our toiletries, hidden away from the world most of the time, are so telling!). I had the beginnings of two solid scenes before I left the bookstore that day.
Oh, and the sharing … that was a big stretch. Not only writing, but then reading some of this aloud for others to hear and pass (silent) judgment on?!? It was a very supportive group – lots of appropriate laughter, and no critiquing; we would each critique our own work when we were alone with it at home.
Libby Van Horn (née Elizabeth/Lizzie Carson) took over my pen and showed me all around her house, her daily routines, her family, and her so-called friends. I was with her at a committee planning meeting, and in her kitchen when her husband arrived unannounced with a puppy for their boys. Let me tell you, the amount of energy she gave to me (then sapped from me) was incredible. This isn’t a character I plan to continue with (unless she won’t let me go!), but I feel like I’ve broken ground in the writing process.
November’s topic is ‘setting’. I hope to revisit some old notes and research the actual town my characters lived in, and get some more information about the period. I don’t want to jump ahead of myself, though, I’ll spend the next few weeks working through more of these character prompts – either with my friend Libby or one of the fictionalized ancestors I’ve uncovered.
That feels like a confession, putting these goals in public like this! Now I’m accountable for reporting back at the end of November …
Oh – I am so jealous – and proud of you for stepping outside that comfort zone. I took a writing class this summer and LOVED it. Since that time I have vowed to keep up writing at home and perhaps develop a literary non-fiction piece. Sadly, I have done nothing but think about it
. I have no idea what keeps me from pursuing this dream, but you have inspired me.
I will definitely check out the book – and perhaps see if there are some informal writing groups around here that I could try.
This would definitely be terrifying to me, but I have a feeling you don’t let anything intimidate you! Promise me your first interview when your book is published.
It sounds like you are now really motivated to move ahead – way to go!!! I can’t wait to hear more about it next month.
I’m so impressed with you. You do what I only think about! I’ve always said that I’d love to write a book, but have never actually taken that first big step. I’d be scared that I’d find out I was horrible at writing. I’m going to live vicariously through you with this project of yours. Sounds like you have already found your muse!
I’m impressed! I’m so proud of you!
Yeah! A writer is born. I will have to explore Naming The World. (I happen to be reading Bret Anthony Johnston’s short story collection right now.) You know, I LOVE genealogical stories, so I do hope you’ll share a little of your story. Are you going to participate in National Novel WRiting Month in November? Might be fun!
Good for you Dawn! I am always so impressed and inspired when folks decide to just do it! I think it always leads to great things . Congrats and keep it up. Looking forward to reading a story from you.
Good going! That is awesome! I’ve never had a desire to be a writer, but I definitely appreciate the hard work and practice it takes. I’m a strong believer in learning new things throughout one’s life — and I’m so glad to see you’re stretching yourself.
Your class sounds wonderful. So does that book! That’s so true about a person’s toiletries too (heading into the bathroom now to check out my personality….)
Good for you! You all ready write great posts here every day. I guess this would be your non-fiction writing. Now it sounds like you are putting together characters and places, etc. – your fiction piece. I have no doubt you can do this as you are someone who sets and achieves goals. I’d like to get in line behind Kathy and have the second interview after your book is published.
That sounds like a wonderful writing workshop experience. I participated in workshops all throughout college, and let me tell you — sitting silently will others read your work, reading your work out loud in front of others (eek!), or listening/reading critiques is terrifying (but ultimately helpful to your writing). Also, I am so happy to hear about Newtonville Books! I went to college in Wellesley, MA, and loved the Wellesley Booksmith — I had no idea there was such a great store in Newtonville.
This would most certainly be out of my comfort zone – it’s something I’d THINK about doing but probably never have the nerve to try, so I think it’s very cool that you’re doing it! I’ll be interested in your further adventures
.
Congratulations! I’m attending a workshop called Structure Your Book this weekend. We have to bring a jacket copy like thing to the workshop and I don’t even have character names! Scary.
Thanks to all for your votes of confidence! I’ll be thrilled with one really solid short story … not yet committing to a book
That would be bold indeed (and a bit terrifying!)
Molly – I haven’t written a word in my new notebook since I came home from the class on Saturday. It was exciting to re-read it, and see how much I had written; developing a discipline will be the key.
Kathy and Margot – You’re too sweet! A bit of the horse before the cart with an interview, but I’m feeling those positive vibes.
Heather – there’s nothing that will motivate me more than publicly stating I’m going to do something!
Sandy – if my muse is this character that came to me on Saturday, I may be taking a 180-degree turn from my original plans … you never know where I’ll land!
Jenn- thanks so much!
Scobberlotcher – no NaNoWriMo for me this year … I might take 6 months to write one story. I have some really cool archives that I’d like to do something with (pedigree charts aren’t enough!)
Nicole – It was such a fun and productive class … maybe I’ll take a cooking class when this passes …
Beth F – I figure, if I don’t try, I’ll never know! I’m not looking to be a writer, just to write (does that make sense?). Although J has big plans – write a best-seller that’s made into a movie.” Um, OK …”
rhapsody – that exercise motivated me to clean off a shelf in the bathroom
Eliza – I think Newtonville Books has been around about 10 years; on Walnut Street near Washington. A great store, with fantastic events. Hard for me to get there except on weekends …
Florinda – and call me on it, if I suddenly become very quiet about my writing adventures … don’t let me hide from my commitment, really!
Cara – wow, that sounds intense! I’ll look for your post about the day – have fun with it!
Hooray! That’s so awesome that you got up the nerve to do this!
And since you believe in stepping out of your comfort zone, does this mean we can look forward to you vlogging in go-go boots?
Wow! Good for you! I’m so impressed with all that you’ve done! You are an inspiration to me as well as your kids! Looking forward to hearing more about your writing adventures!
that sounds like a great experience and, I agree, that stepping outside of your comfort zone is always good. And the kids seeing their Mom trying something new and being challenged. …. Kudos to you!!!
I think it is so great for you that you have joined a writing workshop! The online course I participated in this spring has made a world of difference to me (new tricks of the trade, more confidence and lots of great contacts). After the course it has also been easier for me to speak openly about my dream of writing fiction.
NB: you must pop in and see my bait box today
Good for you, Dawn! I took a few workshops when writing The Opposite of Me, and they were so helpful – in fact, I think one of the workshops in my acknowledgements. It is hard to hear criticism sometimes, but I always try to think of it as a group of people who are pushing my book to be the best it can be (as long as it is constructive criticism, of course). I can’t wait to hear what happens!
I cannot wait to see what you come up with and maybe you’ll be daring and share with us some of these writing exercises. I love that you are taking chances and writing like you wanted to.
I’m proud of you!
You’ve taken the first leap. I can’t wait for the rest of your adventure to begin. Have you thought about writing for NaNoWriMo?
This sounds like such a fun experience! I have long wanted to do something like this, but I am afraid that once I got to the workshop all my ideas would fly right out of my head and I would be left blank. I do admire you for going out there and doing it though. Maybe I should take a page from your book and commit to something like this. I hope it continues to go well for you.
That’s awesome! I wouldn’t mind doing more writer’s group-type stuff, but I have a problem with sharing. It really is the hardest part.
It’s amazing what comes from setting your fear aside! Good on ya!