I failed writing school.Last Saturday I went to The Faithful Writer conference. Mark Treddinick, whose book The Little Red Writing Book is the reason I flew to Sydney, spoke on "Writing: A practice of faith and doubt", and winsomely reminded me to replace every cliche with my own words. My bloggy friend Nicole's dad, Trevor Cairney, led a seminar on "Writing for children", which made me want to write all the children's books waiting in my mental wings.
But in the middle of the day we were given an hour and a half to write a short piece for a workshop, knowing that a few would be chosen for (gentle) public feedback by Mark.
Do you think this blogger, used to writing short posts every day, could perform this simple task?
Unfamiliar surroundings. Unfilled pages. An uncomfortable block of stone for a perch. Writer's block. Words that won't come together. Performance anxiety. One topic started, and re-started, and re-re-started, and re-re-re-started, and abandoned. Other people walking past holding their finished pieces. Another topic started and - finally! - it's all coming together and I walk back to the hall and I'm standing at the table frantically scribbling and ...
"We've finished reading your pieces. Go into lunch now, and we'll discuss some afterwards".
Oh, bummer.
Tomorrow: the piece that didn't quite make it, with (I admit it!) a little judicious editing, and more information about my trip to Sydney than you ever needed or wanted. I should add that I edited my travelling companion, the lovely Sandra, out of this story: in her company, the trip was anything but boring.
6 comments:
Oh, I didn't know you were there - or I definitely would have said hello!
The only reason that I remotely cope with these 'writing times' is because I started going along to a writer's group sporadically where we are made to do just that, and occasionally share, so I am slowly getting used to it ... The first time I went I hated it and vowed and declared I'd never go again - but then I did. So, don't give up! I look forward to reading your piece tomorrow!
What a pity! I would have loved to have met you. I got together with Nicole, and she said you're helping her at Equip book club - and I go over to the book club, and there's your name! One of these days we'll meet, you never know ...
Hee hee, I didn't know that, Ali! Thanks for the post, Jean. I hope the conference spurred you on to write more and share your writing with others!
Oh, well, that nice that you saw Nicole. You're both blogging stars!
Yes, Karen, you have no idea how scary that was :) ... the whole day was eclipsed by having to write something and read it out loud! :) But it's so true that being forced to write something and having a deadline actually makes for productivity.
Were there any guidelines about what you had to write?
Just thinking that if I ever go to such a conference I'll take along a little something pre-prepared...
They did give topics, and do you know, the idea I had beforehand (yes, I did think about what to write beforehand) fitted one perfectly, but I couldn't get it to work on the day? I did the same in an English exam at school, I remember, and it feel so flat. It's actually much easier to write from your gut. Well, I'll know next time ... if there ever is a next time ...
Post a Comment