Writing Class Update

From my book arts class 

So, remember how I'm taking a writing class at the local community college? It has been a real eye-opener! Let me just make an analogy for you so you get the idea... let's say that writing is like knitting. I knew that you needed needles, and yarn, and desire to make something.... but now I'm learning about how to cast on and off, all the different stitches, how to piece things together, all the different types of yarn and patterns that you can use, and how to make an actual sweater that someone would love to wear. It's complicated!


I had no idea of the very many aspects of novel-writing that there were! Character archetypes, writing devices, plot devices, weaving it all together has been mind-boggling for me! I'm still excited and charged up, but my mind is actually spinning around in my brain because it's all just more than I ever knew was out there. So many types of fiction, and so many ways of creating a story.... I thought I knew what I wanted to write about, right? I had it started and everything! But now I find out that the way I was writing it wouldn't be a very successful novel, because I was putting things together wrong... like knitting the arm to the bottom of the sweater, instead of to the arm holes. Ha ha ha! Well! Better to learn this now, than after I had worked on my story a lot longer, right?


So things are going well... I have another four weeks of classes, and by then I should know exactly what I'm doing! (I hope, I hope, I hope...) It's been fun, anyway. Meeting people in class who enjoy the same types of books that I do is always cool. Also, it's giving my brain a much-needed work out! I'll admit I was letting my brain relax for way too long! It's ready for scholastic and social stimulation! I was letting myself turn into a shut-in, and that's not really my personality. I can have hermit-like leanings, yes, but I do enjoy meeting and talking to people, and I like being a part of the human race! Especially in a setting of mutual interest and learning! 


Have you ever taken a class at a community college or community center? Or if you're still in school, a class out of your own curriculum, just for the hell of it? I've done it a few times, and I always get a lot of enjoyment out of it, whether it's a dance class, and art class, or an academically oriented class. I'd love to learn another language, next! Or take a pottery class! What about you? What would YOU like to learn to add onto what is already YOU?