My Creative Non-Fiction class is stressing me about a bit right now because — don't laugh — I may not be getting an A come end of the semester. Currently I've received two A's and two B's, which, what the hell? It's a workshop class, how am I getting B's? The whole point of workshop is that the writing sucks and that you bring it to the class for suggestions to make it not suck.
I'm also so frustrated with the fact that we've spent the first half of the semester discussing endlessly about what "creative non-fiction" actually is, going around in circles being trying to pin down a solid definition, only to have our teacher tell us last night that he doesn't know what creative non-fiction is and he thinks we should throw the entire term out the window. The fuck? This, from a guy who at the discussion of every piece opens up with the question, "Is this creative non-fiction?" Dude, if YOU don't know, how are WE supposed to know?
My little secret is that I've taken creative non-fiction writing classes during my undergrad (something I've chosen not to share with the rest of the class) and I do know what creative non-fiction is. Charlie McCormick taught me, and frankly, he had a much better handle on the genre. Now, my teacher for this class is very good. His criticisms are apt, on the mark, and helpful. The man knows writing for sure. I just don't think he knows as much about this particular genre. I am happy to report, though, that everyone in the class is writing creative non-fiction (at least by mine and Charlie's definition), and rather well. I'm sort of in love with all my classmates, all of whom are quite smart and talented writers. All of us have vastly different styles, and different areas where we excel. They're all so great and I'm rather enjoying all the discussion and feedback from them.
But should I be concerned that last night our teacher mentioned that he's never read anything by David Sedaris? Like him or hate him, the man is probably the best known writer in the genre right now. And our teacher has never read anything by him. It bugs me a little.
In other news, school has exploded in my face this week and I am definitely feeling the panic rising. I've got a lot of work ahead of me in the coming weeks.
I'm also so frustrated with the fact that we've spent the first half of the semester discussing endlessly about what "creative non-fiction" actually is, going around in circles being trying to pin down a solid definition, only to have our teacher tell us last night that he doesn't know what creative non-fiction is and he thinks we should throw the entire term out the window. The fuck? This, from a guy who at the discussion of every piece opens up with the question, "Is this creative non-fiction?" Dude, if YOU don't know, how are WE supposed to know?
My little secret is that I've taken creative non-fiction writing classes during my undergrad (something I've chosen not to share with the rest of the class) and I do know what creative non-fiction is. Charlie McCormick taught me, and frankly, he had a much better handle on the genre. Now, my teacher for this class is very good. His criticisms are apt, on the mark, and helpful. The man knows writing for sure. I just don't think he knows as much about this particular genre. I am happy to report, though, that everyone in the class is writing creative non-fiction (at least by mine and Charlie's definition), and rather well. I'm sort of in love with all my classmates, all of whom are quite smart and talented writers. All of us have vastly different styles, and different areas where we excel. They're all so great and I'm rather enjoying all the discussion and feedback from them.
But should I be concerned that last night our teacher mentioned that he's never read anything by David Sedaris? Like him or hate him, the man is probably the best known writer in the genre right now. And our teacher has never read anything by him. It bugs me a little.
In other news, school has exploded in my face this week and I am definitely feeling the panic rising. I've got a lot of work ahead of me in the coming weeks.
Labels: school owns my soul
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home