I shouldn't talk too much about a story that hasn't been finished yet, especially if it happens to be one I'm hoping to publish, but I will tell you that the story I'm writing for Leafkin has something to do with ... . No, on second thought I'd better just let it all be a surprise. At this point, anything could change. I will tell you, though, that I already did write up a story with Leafkin in mind but decided to scrap it in favor of this other idea. It just seems to, you know, fit better with the title and overall theme. Perhaps I'll brush off the earlier story later and send it off to whatever publisher will have it, or file it in a drawer somewhere to get dusty and forgotten. I could go either way on that one. Not every idea is a winner.
That reminds me of the creative writing classes that I took in college. Those were murder. They were helpful, don't get me wrong, but as a writer I can think of nothing more unpleasant than being forced to sit in silence while at least twenty-five young academics methodically analyze and criticize your work. It wouldn't be so bad if they just gave their opinions, but remember that these are students who have been trained in literary theory and symbolism. They impose significance on prose that an average reader would take at face value. They have to because the instructor and entire class is staring at them, waiting for them to say something profound, meaningful, and significant. It's not enough to simply enjoy or fail to enjoy a work; there has to be a reason for it, and that reason has to be explained. The problem is that a reader may not even be consciously aware of why the story was or was not to their liking. Some things just work for some but not for others.
My other complaint about college creative writing classes is that they focus exclusively on the production of "literary fiction" as opposed to what they derisively dub "popular fiction" or "marketable fiction" (i.e. anything that will sell). My very favorite author, Terry Pratchett, has lamented that he has been "accused of literature." The thing my college instructors refused to acknowledge (at least whilst on the clock) is that "popular" is not synonymous with "shallow." Just because some poorly-written, poorly-contrived novels make the best-seller lists does not mean that one should not try to write something that a broad audience will enjoy. In any case, even writers have to make a living, and if it's through writing, I say more power to them.
Oh, to digress back to my earlier point, I am not wholly opposed to analytical readings, but I would contend that they should never be forced. I also feel that it's cruelty to writers to subject them to a prolonged bombardment of such peer criticism, especially if they are fairly new to writing and prone to run out sobbing. Let the critiques be spaced out a bit so that the reader can give a well thought out and honest opinion, and the writer will have a moment to let that opinion set in before moving on to the next critique. I understand that this isn't possible in a classroom setting, given the number of students and the time constraints. That's why I prefer private reading circles, personally.
So that's my rant. Now it's time to hand my brain over to a much better writer. In other words, it's time to sleep and dream. Goodnight, world.
-Plato
2 comments:
I took a creative writing class at Shasta College. It opened another world to me. I wrote a lot that semester. I believe it was very poor writing, but it got me started and I enjoyed it. I'm glad that the people I ended up with for critiques were people just wanting an "easy grade," as opposed to your literary snots. I just started a fantasy critique group in my area and we meet for the first time on June 9th. I'm kind of nervous to run the show.
@ Amanda--need any advice or help, let me know! I've been in your shoes :D
Plato, I completely understand this. While I believe that critique groups are necessary for writers, I too am opposed to the overly critical approach. The problem I have had with "bad" critique groups is where the individuals are reacting out of a) preference b) a formula-like assumption of what "good writing" is and c) don't treat the work as if they trust that author 'knows where the story is going.'
After you moved to Humbolt, there were a few instances that lead me to create a "critique etiquette" for SWS. Basically--always have as much good to say as bad, and don't say "this is good/bad" without defining a rationale for either judgment. I also try to get people to talk books. I think if all members know their peers preferences and tastes it makes it easier to judge where they are coming from.
That said, I like imagery "poetry" in my writing, and I've gotten some feedback that that is "rubbish." But you have to be true to your voice, I think. I think fantasy has room for abstractions and metaphor, so there :P But walking that line is difficult.
Creative writing classes in Sacramento are some of the worst places to take Fantasy...IMO (from experience).
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