Once I had my first book published, I thought I knew it all. Why should I take writing classes or go to workshops? Those things were for folks who couldn't get published. What a mistaken attitude I had...and one that slowed my writing career by years.
One of the smartest things I ever did was to sign up for a children's writing class taught by Judy Delton at the Loft Literary Center. This was years after my first book was published, and boy did I discover that I didn't "know it all" like I had thought. Judy's class was good for me for many reasons. She gave me honest, sometimes painfully blunt, feedback on my work, which helped me grow considerably as a writer. She taught me the value of regularly producing new work. And she brought me in contact with a community of other writers who have become good friends. Without Judy's encouragement, I would have never had my first novel, Absolutely, Positively Not, published, and I'm proud I was able to dedicate the book to her.
This past year I was asked to be the teacher for a master picture book writing class hosted by the Loft, the same writing center where I first met Judy. Although I've taught writing to children for many years, my initial reaction to this offer was "No way! What could I possibly teach other adults?" But as I get older I'm getting braver at stretching myself, so reluctantly I agreed. The experience was wonderful. Just like Stephanie said in her previous post, I learned so much as I read and critiqued the work of the participants in this class. And to my pleasure, I discovered that I did have plenty of things to say to adult writers, many of them things I learned from my mentor, Judy. I think she would have been happy with this circle.
7 comments:
I think it helps that we keep ourselves open to learning, even though we are old ;)
What a wonderful tribute to Judy Delton, David, and somehow I know you're a great teacher, too!
Loved this David! So glad you're there. And yes, I do think Judy would be proud. You'd be a great teacher and I'd love to take your class. Wish I was up in Minneapolis . . . Three cheers!
Judy Delton was someone I wish I could have met. She obviously was an incredible mentor/teacher. I know this from both you, David, and Anne Ylvisaker, who also dedicated a book to Judy. And David, what a wonderful teacher you are!
Of course you're good at teaching adults, David, and I love the idea of the circle of sharing ideas and instruction. You teach me new things all the time...I need to learn more about writing from you now.
Great post, David. I love how you overcame your reticence -- once, when you decided to take more classes, then again when you took on a teaching role -- and how you grew from the experience!
I wish Minneapolis wasn't so far. I'd sign up to be your student too! I also love the circle of mentoring. I wonder who those you mentor will teach?
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." —Henry Brooks Adams
Post a Comment