My first class, first semester in the MAPW program I encounter my biggest writing wave EVER! His name is not important, but he was a visiting professor in the program. I was looking forward to a fiction writing class, and quickly had my heart broken. This professor did not encourage my dream, but instead proceeded in crushing it. Halfway through the semester I met with him about my writing and he said, "I don't know how to help you. I think that you are not serious enough about your writing or dedicating enough time to writing." My heart broke that day, because I thought, I love writing! Who is this guy to tell me I am not serious enough? I did not take another fiction class for two years.
It was in advanced fiction last semester that I found myself again as a fiction writer. I was a bit shaky but gained confidence in my writing through out the semester. I had to learn that one person's opinion did not determine my worth as a writer. It also helped me learn that I needed to start growing a thicker skin. As I said, my wave may have knocked me down, but I was able to get up again.
What a scary picture! I've always found that odd thing about writing is that you have to be a sensitive person to do it at all, but you have to develop a thick skin to survive the experience. I'm glad you're up again!
ReplyDeleteSamara, what a bleak scene my writing classes without you! I'm glad you're in the running!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Ouch! What a hurtful experience - the good part is that you've heard those words and now you can move past them. By continuing to write, though, you've proven his words wrong. I love what Melanie said about writers having to be sensitive yet tough. Writing is not the easy gig that many people seem to think.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience my first semester -
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got back up too! I really enjoyed your novel for fiction class and definitely agree that one person's opinion doesn't matter. Writing is hard but worth it.
That would be a tough shot to take. I remember one of my first writing teachers advising the class that we shouldn't fear rejection because no matter how good we were to become as writers, it was sure to be a constant companion. I was waiting for further wise words but he kind of just stopped there. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood to see you're back up.