Monday, July 30, 2007

Books and cleverness

Last week I started an online writing class through Gotham Writer's Workshop, which is based out of New York City. A friend at work recommended it to me and so far I'm really loving it. I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember but only recently have I actually thought seriously about pursuing it.

I am excited to do more with the creative side of my brain that doesn't really get any exercise at my day job, and at the same time I'm hoping to find the focus and discipline to be able to take my writing to the next level. Or least maybe it'll make me more smarter. And help me draw real pretty, too.

The one thing I've taken away from the class so far is how severely under-read I am. I read a lot, usually two and three books at once, and thought I was doing pretty well, but looking over the recommended reading list ... holy hell, I have not read very many of those. I intend to write my high school a strongly worded letter. It will start, "Dear Overprotective Christian Nazis, Just because a book contains swears it does not mean Jesus will cry if people read it". Yeah. I didn't read The Catcher in the Rye until I was 23. WTF, Lutheran High School Association?

Speaking of great books, I finally finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was incredible. A great finish to a great series. One I can't wait to share with my children. ... Even though there's *gasp* kissing in it.

Yeah, Jesus is crying right now just thinking about it.

3 comments:

steph said...

i've thought about taking that class, too! so you'd reccommend it?

Carolynne said...

Yes, definitely. I'm taking the Fiction 1 class and hoping to take the Novel Writing class after this. I'm really enjoying it.

steph said...

awesome! i'll have to look into that!