Writer's Retreat - Final Day
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 06:30PM University of Wisconsin - Madison
So now that I've finally made it back to Chicago in one piece, grabbed a bite to eat, I can finish off this blog for the week.
Today, we read thru are 3 page scenes we wrote. I love the responses I recd from my classmates. Gosh, they really love this story about me and my transgender love. We spent 5 years together and I really want this memoir to reflect on all the positivity that came out of the relationship despite all the confusion, especially for someone who is a card holding lesbian and found herself faced with the undaunting task of staying in love with someone who is no longer female.
I made some great friends and my teacher really wants me to work on this memoir. She offered to be a feedback person for me as I continue writing this story but clarified that she wasn't an editor. I still like the idea that someone else can read and present things to me to improve the manuscript. She was great with this in class and I would love to have that continue. Another classmate also wanted to read further pages. She said she would be interested in being that person who can keep me disciplined enough to write at least once a month, if I want her to be. The offer was awesome. Perhaps we can meet once a month down in her area at that diner on Devon and Clark.
All in all, I would have to say this was the most remarkable trip I have ever been on. I got so much out of the writing process, the techniques, story structures, how good narratives can be if you just think about some of the points highlighted by the teacher, like setting, who, what, where, how, why, bringing in some conflict or creating a problem that needs solving. I learned I do not have to follow the story chronologically as I thought of initially and that it can be just as interesting jumping back and forth from present to past, another nice way to keep the reader engaged.
Anyway, despite the iffy weather, it thunderstormed alot and last night was a rough night with the tornado watch, but I'm safe and home and will cherish this experience. Can't wait till next year. They have many other sessions like poetry, fiction, screenwriting, etc. I might try the screenwriting in the near future, they even have a play writing session too. This would be good since I'm trying to do a play as well.
Thank you everyone who has been reading my site, taking the journey with me.
Stay tuned for more on my writing and further stories.
Peace.
Reader Comments (1)
I'm so glad you took the leap of faith and went. Your star will go far. I hope you stay focused and keep writing. If you can't write, at least take notes.
You inspire me...and so many others.