A friend of mine told me last night that my best writing is emotional writing. Writing about breakups, describing emotions, and in general being rather…emo.
This struck a cord with me because I’d love to write a manuscript in the next year or two and have considered going to Journalism School to hone up my writing skills since i’m getting the impression that the cut throat world that is politics? Isn’t a long term career for me. Not because I can’t handle it…but I loved politics. It was my passion but since I’ve moved to DC? I just find that it annoys me more than anything. People are so self righteous in the field of politics, not that bloggers like myself aren’t because what in the hell makes me think that my writing on this blog makes a difference, or is something that someone gives a damn about. I’m not so self-important that I think that people give a crap about what I write. I write because I like to write.
But I wish, I wish, i wish, I freakin’ wish I had taken more writing courses in college. I’m thinking of looking into auditing a journalism course, or some sort of writing course. Because contrary to what you might think about my writing, I’m very self conscious about my writing. Especially my professional writing – memos for work, that kind of stuff.
Also, I’m toying with the idea of Journalism School. I’m toying with the idea of freelancing. I’m toying with lots of ideas but essentially? Day in and day out I’m learning that I? Just don’t really want to work in politics like I thought I did. Someday I’ll write that manuscript and someday I’ll be able to blog and write novels and columns from home like Karyn Bosnak and all my other favorite authors…but I need to work my ass off to get there. Part of it is a Carrie Bradshaw-esque dream of glamorous writing and the other part is just a love of sharing my thoughts…because a tiny tiny part of me? Even though, as I mentioned above, I know that no one cares, I still like to think maybe one or two people actually do give a rats butt what I have to say.
P.S. Why the EFF do you have to PAY to audit a course that you’re not getting credit for? Why the EFF do you have to pay to audit a course??? I mean, you’re not being graded. it doesn’t go toward a degree but…you have to pay? I don’t…understand. Harrumph. I’ll have to look more into that.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Ditto all of the above, and I totally want a signed copy of your first book, lady!
I’m working on 2 manuscripts right now. I’ve never had a book published, but it is one of my dreams, so I’m working toward that goal. The best advice an author ever gave me: write, write, write; whether you think anyone will read it or not! I’ve taken that advice to heart, so I make time to write every day.
I’ll keep checking back in because I think you have talent as a writer; I love your blog!
I stumbled across this website and wonder if maybe it might help you. It is 10 Colleges and Universities With Free Online Liberal Studies Courses. Check it out.
http://education-portal.com/articles/10_Colleges_and_Universities_with_Free_Online_Liberal_Studies_Courses.html
Heidilee,
1) you write beautifully. keep at it.
2) As someone who (double)majored in English/ Poli. Sci. with concentrations in Creative Writing, Journalism (the closest thing we had), and Political communication (yes I was/am a TOTAL geek), I got lots of and have lots of advice about writing re: school. Mostly I was told and found that it’s the “clips” (your writing) that matters. The common thought is you can teach someone about whatever subject but you can’t (really) teach writing. I don’t know that’s totally true but…
3) all that said, classes can be great for lots of reasons – connections, writing partners, motivation (homework). I love the link bflat posted. Also, since you’re local (i think) – check out the bethesda writer’s center, media bistro, press club, first class. Not free but might be enough to dip your toe in for less $$
4) I have NO NO freakin idear why you have to pay to audit a class. never did.
good luck!
In the past, I’ve audited several (I think 3) courses without paying. Before the class started I have just met with (or emailed) the professor explaining my situation, and they were very understanding and let me participate in the class without going through the formal audit process. Maybe that is something that could work for you? Anyways, good luck to you!
I was going to offer my own thoughts on J-school, but I think washwords hit the nail on the head. If you really love it, I say go for it. The journalism world isn’t as glamorous as it often appears to be, but it can still be rewarding.
If you do decide to go that route, don’t let J-school beat the personality out of your writing. I love that who you are shows in your writing. That’s something I’ve had to work on after being taught to write without personality!
My favorite posts of my own are the ones where I have some type of emotional attachment to them, the posts that actually mean something. But I try to be careful not to write too much personal stuff so that means those emotional posts only come out every once in a while. Maybe I’ll think about it on my trip this next week… hey want to write a guest post for me sometime in the next ten days while I’m in Kansas??
I think you’re a beautiful writer, but if you want to go into journalism, I think you should go for it. There are so many people in the world, like me, that have no clue what they want to be when they grow up, even at the embarrasingly old age of 24. So go for it!
I think all your writing is good even when it’s not emotional writing!
If you love politics, but don’t want a career in politics, write about it!
) Like people who are interested in food but can’t cook become food critics, write those murder mysteries involving baking, do food photography, etc. There are ways. You could report on politics, write some fiction based on politics, etc.
I freelance write–it’s not too hard to get into! Contact a few local papers/magazines and such first and work with them. And then you can work your way up. It’s fun…hard, but fun. It’s a good way to get your writing out there.
If you think that’s what you might want to do, I say go for it! It’s no fun having regrets later. (But yeah, not so cool that you have to pay to attend a non-credit class!)