That's what Lisa Wheeler calls her picture book workshop, which I attended this past Saturday. I received a very helpful critique from this woman who has clearly mastered the form. As someone who has focused on middle grade so far, I gleaned a few helpful little tidbits about writing specifically for younger kids. I also was generally refocused, reminded and re-charged with regards to my writing in general.
I almost didn't go for the stupidest of all reasons.
After eight years of seriously studying to improve my writing to the point of marketability, (attending conferences, workshops, having a top notch critique group filled with published writers)--I, um, kinda thought, *blushes* that I knew enough.
Here's what I learned (yet again).
Lesson #1: I will never, ever, never know enough about writing and storytelling. Even if I were to get fame, critical acclaim, and a devoted audience that turns everything I write into a bestseller. Period. I will never be GOOD ENOUGH.
Lesson #2: I will always remember to enter a teaching moment with a teachable spirit. I will be open to learn. Because if I do that, I WILL LEARN SOMETHING.
Lesson #3: I will never, ever, never pass up a chance to sit at the knee of someone who is a master of the craft I want to master. Even if I only learn one new thing. (it's even worth listening to fellow attendees who would rather talk about how to get an agent than how to improve their writing) It's worth it if it clicks me to the next stop on the learning curve.
2 comments:
Dang. I should have gone. Lesson learned.
Apparently I should have gone, too.
Post a Comment