I'm back from the picturesque village of Valbonne in France. My reading goal went well, got through about 5 books, and have them all scheduled to go out on the blog.
I've been unproductive since I got back, was feeling ill on the Thursday and Friday and Saturday I found myself considering going for a full BA in writing. The question of having my work assessed has come up again, I'd already decided against it but that was over a year ago when I had no intentions of writing fiction again ever and now I'm writing a novel.
It's hit me how much of the craft of fiction I've forgotten since I stopped writing and would benefit from going back to basics. But it means doing 7 modules instead of 3 and at part time study that's roughly 6 years. Huge commitment in time and finances. Although I'm wondering if I'll be able to tie working on my novella into one of the modules. And i'm realising how important feedback is when someone actually explains it to you based on your work and not just giving you random bits of vague advice.
I also signed up for 750 words to keep my writing stamina up while I'm planning and working on course rewrites. Couldn't do it last night as my internet was dropping out every 5 minutes.
Today, I'll be getting back on track with my goals. looking forward to seeing how the other row80ers have been doing since I was away.
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Heya Katy, sounds like there's some progress despite the setback. You have big decisions to make. I sometimes wonder too if I should start a course on writing then decide against it; it's a game of cat and mouse for me at the mo; I wish you all the luck with your decision and your ROW80 goals. Chin-up and stay positive!
Valbonne! I am so jealous.
We all struggle with "how to learn" the craft. For me, forty craft books on everything from opening idea to revision to the business during the past year. Others choose a more traditional route. The one that works better for you without driving you to insanity is the correct choice :)
750words is a great site for keeping you in the writing habit, brainstorming, drafting posts, etc. I'm sure you'll love it, assuming your net connection allows you to.
Have a great week, Katie!
It can be hard getting back into the swing of things after a trip! Heck, sometimes I find it difficult to get back into the swing of things after one day of doing something out of routine. :) So it's awesome you seem to be getting your stride back.
I've been contemplating classes for my writing again, too, partly to hone the craft, but mostly because I just miss writing classes. Time and money is definitely a factor for me, though. If they weren't, it would definitely be something that can only help, so if the time and money factor work out, then there's no reason not to.
difficult decision to make - all the best with it - You'll be on track again soon whatever you decide - all the best
I hope you're feeling better Katy. It sounds like you have some big decisions to make. Best of luck to you.
I took a vacation during the ROW80 period and it definitely set me back a bit. I hope to still make my end goal though. I've also considered taking a degree in creative writing. I've heard they they teach more literary style, which makes me hesitant since I'm aiming more at commercial fiction. So maybe I will take Gene's route and read the craft books...decisions decisions.
Good luck deciding what to do....I've been there!
Your progress sounds good, though. Hang in there!
Hope you are feeling better after your trip. Vacations are refreshing and exhausting at the same time. It sounds like you are keeping your options open in the writing world. It is a vast place and always something new to discover. Either choice will be beneficial. Keep up the good work, it's very encouraging.
Well wishes for feeling better in the coming days. I have toyed with the 750words site but it just didn't jive with my writing style. I'm doing lecture packets from Margie Lawson instead of a formal course though I might end up doing a childrens writing course at some point just because it interests me and the idea of saying in 150 words what I normally say in 10,000 seems like a good lesson to learn.
Welcome back. Traveling is so exhausting. We always have to recover from our vacations, but I think its the traveling to and from that wears us out. I've considered an mfa in writing, but I think the reason why is I want the feedback, the deadlines, the accountability. If I could do that for myself, it would save a lot of money. I finished my bA in Liberal Arts and it was well worth it. Whatever drives you and helps you, I'd say go for.
I've been toying with the idea of going back to school for a writing degree, too. It's a hard decision to make. Good luck with yours!
Gene - Most things with writing drive me to insanity. Lol
Thanks all, feeling a lot better now, may get my current module assessed and decide from there if I'll be studying for the long haul but I'll be writing for the long haul as well so maybe I should just bite the bullet and go for the whole degree. best of luck to all for the week.
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