I’ve learned something. Writing is hard. I mean, really writing is hard. Good writing is even harder. Who would’ve thought?
It’s hard to come up with good things, things that you wouldn’t mind 20 other people that you sort of know read your work. Especially if you’re like me and find it hard to separate parts of yourself from you’re writing, whether it’s a character that’s like you or a character who’s brave enough to do what you can’t. For me, I can’t separate myself from my writing. I don’t think it’s possible. I also think that as a reader you put just as much of yourself into what you’re reading. You, as the reader, take what you want from what you read. To explain better, like an ink blot test. What you see says more about you, the viewer, than it does about the person who created the ink blot.
That doesn’t make it any easier to show my writing to people. I’ve sent things off before, but for some reason that’s easier in a sense. It’s easier because I know I’m probably not going to meet the person. It’s easier because I know that whoever I’m sending it to reads things like this all the time. Now in class I’m showing my writing to people who are on the same campus as me, who are mostly English majors so it’s extremely likely that I will have them in future classes. I can’t be alone in being scared to show my work.
I never would’ve thought two classes would be this much work. I like doing the work, I really do. It just leaves me mentally and emotionally exhausted. I think it sounds like I’m complaining, but I don’t mean it to sound that way! I really do enjoy these classes. I love my professors, I think they’re very good, helpful and readily available for questions and help.
If I’m not writing for one class, I’m reading for another. Five novels in five weeks is intense. We’re almost through with the third novel. Our first paper is due for the Lit class. Our short story is due soon in my CW class. I’m drained! I need a vacation! I know it sounds awful because I was just on one, what? two weeks ago? Time’s flown by. Seriously flown by. The days are blending together, if I don’t look at a calendar everyday then I would never know what day of the week it is!
I wish I had something good to say, I’m working on it! I’m trying to be the normal me; hopefully I’ll be back any day now!
On a side note: I’ve had this band on my iPod for ages, one of my friend’s favorite bands. I finally listened to them and I’m in love. Thought I’d share.
This is the first blog post of yours I’ve read. So, I don’t know what “normal” you writes like yet, but I hope you find your joy again. It’s also my first listen to YTG. They have a good sound! Sorry you’re in the midst of a tough time, but it’s good training, right? *crickets chirping* Right?
That’s exactly what I was thinking, good training. Or at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m thinking about how hard it is!
I really like YTG now. I can’t believe I’ve had them on my iPod and never listened to them! They’re awesome! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Hang in there! These classes may be hard, but it will be worth it.( I think it was Mark Twain who said good writing is hard to do but easy to read. Bad writing is the opposite.) Personally, I believe in putting yourself in your writing makes for good writing; the reader intuitively connects with you. The reader can always tell if you’re disinterested or distant and, before long, they’ll feel the same way.
I think about that quote a lot in class but could never remember who said it! Thanks for the advice! That’s all so true!