This 76 year old returns to college to take Dr. Kathleen Hudson’s Creative Writing class to develop story writing skills. It’s felt like most of my stories have been locked behind some doorway, deep inside my brain. I hoped developing those skills would become the key to unlocking that doorway.
Before class started, I created a blog, WhereIDwell.net. I bought a $110 Apple Pencil, which I intended to use taking class notes directly on my iPad. Back at my cabin, where I physically dwell, over a glass of wine, I would edit, add links and transfer those notes to my blog.
One story, still in the writing practice stage, takes place when I worked for IBM. A few times a year, one or two employees from sites across the U.S. would be selected to attend IBM’s highly regarded Systems Research Institute. At that time, SRI was located on East 42nd St in Manhattan. Over 10 weeks, college graduate level courses in systems architecture, computer science, math and logic, were taught by respected PhDs. I was honored to be one of those attendees.
On our first day we were given a group orientation, the kind of advice that sticks in your head.
An instructor told us, there are two types of people, ”BE’ers” and ”SEE’ers”.
He then drew a huge outline of Manhattan on a white board. Scattered dots all over the island. Those dots represented safe areas. He said, “pay close attention, trust the hairs on the back of your necks getting from one safe area to another. Those safe areas are constantly changing”.
Today I see that as a metaphor pertaining to writing stories. Those dots may trigger memories or the inspiration for stories, poetry, song… all writing. They can appear anywhere, even in a place we’ve never noticed them before.
As Writers, I see us constantly shifting between ”BE’ers” and ”SEE’ers”. Yes, we must remain close observers, but in our writing, we also must BE what we SEE.
Well, I didn’t end up using my $110 Apple Pencil, I used pen and notebook. I did have those glasses of wine.
Dr. Kathleen Hudson, during these 6 short weeks, you have shown me that doorway inside my brain has always been open.
You’ve provided an amazing list of guest speakers.
Class time, required reading, assignments and, in very large degree, my fellow students, have combined to convinced me, we all have amazing stories to tell.
My stories, of course are written for me. But I also know, once completed, I have Something of Value to leave for those that come after me, along with the confidence that I will tell my stories in compelling ways.
Kathleen, from the bottom of my heart…
Thank You,
Click for YouTube video of talk