English 5599 - Creative Writing For Teachers
What Workshop Format Works the Best?
Over the years I have tried to keep many journals. Unfortunately, I never got into the habit of doing it consistently. As a result, I am not near as polished a writer as I would like to be. And because of this deficiency, the thought of other people seeing my writing is sometimes spooky. One of the things in the chapter that I could identify with is found in the opening paragraphs. "At first, sharing your writing may feel like taking a plunge into a lake [. . .] of unknown temperature" (Bishop 82). The most appealing aspect of journaling, however, is that there are no rigid rules to follow. Basically the only thing one must do to keep a journal is to write. I personally enjoy opening up my laptop in my living room or at Roasters. Both of these places are generally relaxing.
Although there is no set formula for having a successful journal, Bishop says that there are certain traits that successful journals with have in common. These intrigue me because I never thought about it before. Informal style, first person narrative, considerably lengthy passages, and anything else that is congruous with everyday speech are prescribed for anyone who wishes to have a quality journal. But why is this so? Bishop turn the "long way" around to answering the question, I think. Simply put, our journals should be a sort of "storehouse" that all of our thoughts are catalogued and "safe" for later (91). Also, as we write, we are forcing ourselves to bring into the open what is tacit and perhaps near fleeting in our delicate minds. I use the word delicate here because I think that there are too many times when I am on the verge of some profound thought when I allow myself to be interrupted by the daily grind. Pretty soon, I am unable to recall those grand thoughts that had come so easily only hours before. In this way, I cannot relate to the guy who allows his thoughts to marinate in his neurological juices until he is finished with the poem of greatness. Only then does he put it on paper. If I ever tried that method, I am afraid I would never put down another word.
I enjoyed reading the transcript of the poetry workshop. The format that Bishop highlights and that the class uses is quite similar to the method Dr. C-- uses in his creative writing classes, right down to the detail about not allowing the author to comment until everyone else has been given opportunity to give their feedback. I think it works very well.
As I read through the other methods of sharing ideas, I am curious to know which methods you guys in the class have found most helpful in your experience. If you haven't had any, which method do you think might work the best and why? Personally I like the full-class sharing for its broad scope of opinions to draw from. I also enjoy the small group sharing when all parties present are intelligent and willing to give and take.