Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Why Do I Write?


















I've taken several online writing classes since my first which was Beginning Writer's Workshop. My first class was absolutely my favorite.

The class was huge; approximately 300 enrollees gathered online to receive lessons and to share written work with each other. We interacted, encouraged and became much more than classmates to each other. Our instructor, Ann Linquist, watched us evolve from scribbling to taking bold, strong strokes with our pens.

The experience of taking a writing class proved to be much more exciting than I had anticipated. I'll never forget the ecstatic mood I sustained during the six week class and well beyond. I still don't know how Ann faithfully commented and encouraged all of us through the twelve lesson, six week course.
*
A few years ago, I printed out some of the words Ann addressed to me in the class discussion area. I framed them so they'd always be near me. Her kindness and sincerity are evident in all of her words of encouragement. I can't thank Ann enough for so masterfully teaching me how to write and for inspiring me to continue writing, a creative outlet that brings me great satisfaction and rich rewards.

16 comments:

Natasha said...

Wow, Shaddy -- This is so cool. The number of people Ann has touched in powerful ways is incredible. And what a way to remember!

I hope you post something on Ann's site or send her an email or something to let her know....

She would be touched and honored I'm sure.

Cheryl Peters said...

And Ann's so humble. She pushes us forward and stands back and smiles.

I went to her site and invited her to take a look at this.

Sarah said...

Ann is certainly a Godsend isn't she? She is one-of-a-kind in the world of instructors.

What I will always remember about our class is the transformation you made from beginning to end. I've still have never seen anything like it. I loved watching that. I love, even more, that you still write every day with such grace and talent. Congratulations on becoming a writer my dear. I feel like I should send Ann a thank you note for that!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Sarie

Kirsten Lesko said...

I've never taken an online workshop. I usually audit classes at the university, but lately I've felt like I've hit a ceiling there - it all starts to feel the same.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Lia said...

She sounds a lovely lady and I for one am very very glad that you do write.

much love
Lia
xx

Cheryl Peters said...

Sarie: You spoil me with your kind words. What a brat I'm becoming!

Kirsten: The class is offered by ed2go. It's inexpensive compared to most of the online classes I've looked into. I don't know if you need such a class but all I can say is that it worked for me.

Lia: She is very good at what she does. She has a blog: annlinquist.wordpress.com. We have fun with her writing prompts.

Linda McMann said...

I have now taken three on-line
ed2go classes, and Ann's Beginning Writers Workshop is by far the best one. I learned the most, had the best (and the most) feedback from her and others in the class, and gained some great writing friends from it. I think I could just keep taking it over and over again, if it wasn't for John and Martha...

Anonymous said...

Ann's class was the most inspirational class of the ones I've taken.

Your tribute speaks volumes about the feeling you have once you finish the class.

If it weren't for Ann I wouldn't have the confidence to keep going. Her lessons were filled with creativity and truth.

She well deserves to have her words immortalized in such a creative way.

Cheryl Peters said...

Parrot: Before I enrolled in the workshop, I'd thought writing was a desire I'd never fulfill. Back then, I didn't know how much I needed to write.

I came to the workshop with all the pieces of my life in tow. Taking the class was similar to jumping in a huge funnel with a lifetime of baggage. I came in with no sense of direction in my life. I spun around inside the funnel, absorbing the lessons and doing the assignments. When I finished the workshop, I seemingly exited the funnel with my life finally in order and a sense of meaning and direction. After the dizzying, whirlwind experience, I regained my footing. For the first time in my life, I knew the path I would take into my future. My love of writing will allow my simple life to have meaning; sharing my life will connect me to the world.

Cheryl Peters said...

darksculptures: I can't imagine how many people she has influenced by her classes.

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

That's a great idea Shaddy~ those words are going to be a constant reminder! Continue to nurture your talent & passion in life~
xo

Cheryl Peters said...

Lenore: Ann's words are encouraging for sure.

Natasha said...

Y'know, I wish Ed2Go would see this so they'd realize how people would fight to get into a Not-Quite-Beginning Writing Workshop with Ann.

Cheryl Peters said...

Natasha: A toddler's class?

Anonymous said...

Auntie will try again,last time I tried your new format for comments it came back with, it may take a little time to print, which never happened. The message I was sending is I have always thought you had a great talent for writing, but formal help is always good.LOVE

Cheryl Peters said...

Aunt Babe: Thank you. Taking the classes gave me confidence in my writing and that's an important ingredient in any undertaking.