Creative writing?

[Hagar]

I have signed up for an evening class in creative writing. Has anyone here ever attended a creative writing course? I am now not sure what to expect. My last formal training in written english was back in the 1960's with English Language and Literature 'O levels'.

Since retiring a year ago as a Civil Engineer, I have considered writing as a means of entertainment, I normally read a number of novels during the year and believe that I could also write one. I have previously written or co authored 'technical' documents and papers during my career.

I have discovered amongst my ancestors a William Fox esq., He was instrumental in founding Sunday schooling in the 18th century and a memoir of his life was published in the 1830's By a Joseph Ivimay. I would like to novelise a part of Wm. Fox life story. I have started writing and I am 1500 words into it, not a lot I know, but now thinking, will it get ripped apart?

The first class is tomorrow night and I will post again following that. Just after a bit of guidance (and support) really.

Cheers.

 

[Hagar]

Just relax and enjoy the lessons.
Is like learning to draw with the left side of your brain. Initially might seem weird, but after that the brain it will go on it's own.
Just needs practice, and that would come naturally by having ideas of short stories. Don't be afraid to write them down.

i tried one many years ago, one of the by-mail things they used to advertise in various places. gave it up after a couple weeks, it never lived up to promises and the exercises were tedious and generic. as w/ all school though, a lot comes down to the teacher, so if you get a good one you'll do a lot better regardless of the course content, i think. go for it and see what you think of it.

Thank you both for the replies. Yes it will be down to the teacher and hopefully better than school although that is a distant memory. I think that I am looking forward to it, It is better than doing nothing with my brain now that I am not working anyway.

 

[Hagar]

The man who founded sunday school should have been shot...

I understand that it was his response to one in twenty people being barely literate at the middle of the 18th century rather than religion as such (he was a non conformist or baptist I believe) but such were the times. Most people went to some sort of service in those days so catch them while they are young and teach them to read (the bible). Personally I do not have religion, but he seemed an interesting person to write about.