Everyday for ten days, I’ll post a new tip for finding a writing class.
Number Two: Stop Making Excuses
Ignore Tip Number One for the moment as excuses are easier than action. There are two reasons why people make excuses for not attending a class:
- Legitimate scheduling problems
- Lack of confidence
Scheduling problems:
If you’re reading this blog, there must be something in you that says, ‘I want to be a writer.’ So, it may be time to shift some priorities. Rather than trying to squeeze a writing class into a time slot that won’t work, other commitments should be shifted.
Can you move your daughter’s drama class to Wednesday, and can your partner drop your son off at piano practice? Perhaps on the evenings of your class, the kids can go to their Nan’s and you can arrange to leave work early. You might need to sit down and have a chat with a partner, family member or close friend, and ask them to take the burden off you for a couple of hours a week, so that you can attend the class. You may be surprised at how supportive they’ll be, sometimes all you need to do is ask.
When it comes to scheduling, you’re the only person that can decide what is realistic. If a class is something you strongly want to do, then find a way to make the time for it.
Lack of Confidence
This is much trickier. There are all kinds of excuses we can make for not taking a class:
‘The class falls on the same night as Events, and I’ve already gotten sucked into that television programme. And I don’t have Tivo/SkyPlus, so I can’t possibly do a class on that day of the week.’
‘Everyone in my family will die of starvation if I’m not home to heat up a ready meal.’
‘My check engine light is on, and the seats on a bus just aren’t hygienic. I can’t get to the class.’
‘My writing finger hurts.’
We can make an excuse for anything, but the real reason behind not joining a class often has more to do with internal factors than external circumstances. The real reasons for not taking a class might be:
‘I’m insecure to join a class because I won’t know anyone there.’
‘I’m afraid I’ll find out my writing is bad.’
‘I’m worried everyone will be a better writer than me.’
‘They’re going to make me read aloud.’
In truth, classes can build confidence, friendships, and, of course, give the author skills to grow as a writer. Sometimes, exactly what we need the support of a class. So just push those nagging fears aside and take the class. Yes, it is that simple.
Go back to:
Tip Number One: Be Realistic
Tip Number Three: Research
Tip Number Four: Know What You Want
Tip Number Five: Help from Friends
Tip Number Six: Ask for References
Tip Number Seven: Pay What You Can Afford
Tip Number Eight: Don’t Change the Class
Tip Number Nine: Tradtional or Online Learning?
Tip Number Ten: Keep and Open Mind
Rachel Marsh 