Those Who Can, Write. Those Who Can't, Teach...

Or in the case of my Fiction Writing teacher, force your opinions upon the students and tell them that any genre other than the one you like sucks, that any attempt to write in the genre they like is to copy the works of others and every character they create is a stereotype and complete copy of a character already in existence.

**Sigh** So, why, after all the courses I've taken and the fact that I have been told by a published author that my work is good, am I taking a class from an idiot who does not know what he's talking about? Because of a degree I want so badly that I need the credits this class will give me. Is the degree worth it? Guess that depends on who you ask.

The point is, when and if you become a published author and someone asks you to teach a class, do not force your opinions upon your students. Each writer has their own style, their own voice, that for anyone, even a teacher, to tell them that they are wrong does the writing community as a whole, an injustice.

And what I have to say to this teacher of mine is, my voice will be heard. My characters will come to life through my voice. My characters and my stories are mine, not some stereotyped copy of someone else's, nor created from putting together little things from other people to make up a story of my own.

I am curious though, exactly what qualifies this man to teach the class and what his publications are? Has he even published at all? Or even better, who did this same thing to him in the past that he now thinks this is the only way to deal with other writers?

Of course, he's probably upset with me because I questioned him and some of the things he's said about the fantasy genre. But then, that's me. I have to question people like that.

Write a Love Letter to Anyone

Dearest Kian, The time apart is extremely hard. But it builds the love I have for you. I love the time we spend together. The way you touch my hair and smile at me with that crooked smile. I dream about the day we can always be together and the worries of our current lives are no longer a problem.

Write About Bathing

I enjoy a warm bath scented with peach oils or raspberry. I like how the water relaxes me and the scents bring peace to my mind.

Write About a Day Moon

It was a thing of legends and prophecy. Children born under a day moon were supposed to be special and unique. Children like me. The day moon gave us powers that could be used for good or evil. Powers that were stronger during the moon at night. When the day moon returns, the prophecies say the powers will be at their height and most powerful. I have been fighting my enemy since we were old enough to know about each other and control our powers. We will face each other at the next day moon and one of us must die. Worse, he's the man I love and the elders tell that one of must die, no way around it.

"A year after your death..." (after Czeslaw Milosz)

and she still cries when she thinks about you. She has not given your clothes away to charity and the workshop looks like it did the day you left it. She still misses you more than the rest of us will ever understand. Sometimes she talks like you will come through the door any minute. We don't mention you if we can help it. We don't want to make her cry.

You're Standing in a Doorway

The room is full of people, none of them looking at you. Except me. You hesitate, though I am not real sure why. The light in your hair is breathtaking. I am amazed at how handsome you are. Even more amazing is the fact that you're with me. As you walk through the room toward me, you draw the eyes of others around us. But you don't see them. You watch only me and I squirm in my seat at your intense gaze. Finally you reach me and I forget everyone else in the room. I only see you and I am lost in your eyes.

Write About a Time Someone Said 'No'

We said 'no' because we are the parents and we know what's best for them. Children don't always want things that are good for them, so we as parents have to make sure that the bad things are kept away. We do not say 'no' because we are mean. We only want our children safe.

Write About Sunday Afternoon

After sleeping in late, we spend the afternoon being lazy around the house. Most chores were done on Saturday, so all that is left is laundry. He spends his time on the computer. I watch T.V. and write, or knit. A late lunch means nothing is planned for dinner, so I have fruit and crackers. The new kitten cries for attention and crawls into my lap. It's a perfect afternoon with no worries or cares. No one calls and even if someone did, we would let the machine and voicemail take a message. We prepare mentally for Monday, without really trying. The rest will carry us through the week and give us something to look forward to.

Happy New Year

I am working on getting some freelance jobs and I have applied for several writer/editor positions with various companies in Las Vegas and Washington. I would really like one of the jobs in Washington, as both companies I have applied for I think are extremely exciting and I would love to be a part of their teams.

School starts on Jan. 20 and I will also be taking several courses throughout the Spring semester. So far I have a class that is for one day only, as well as one class from the college in Reno and two classes from the College of Southern Nevada. I have also applied for admittance to Charter Oaks College in their distance edication program. I am very excited about all my classes and can't wait to get started.

My writing exercises begin again and I will work to make sure that there is a new one every day.

Have a Happy New Year.

NANOWRIMO Update

Word count is currently at 30,771. Things are moving along, just not as fast as I would like. It will get there though.