Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Resolution #2: Check


I was searching online for a local photography class a new friend recently mentioned. I don't know what she was talking about because it's not listed anywhere on their site. Hate when that happens.

Buuuuuttttt, check out what I found instead....

Children's Picture Book Writing Workshop

This hands-on workshop introduces basic information about the craft of writing for children and will also delve in the business of publishing children's picture books. Participants will develop a picture-book manuscript, get feedback, and work to strengthen the story with revision. The workshop also provides an overview of the editing, illustration and publishing process. Students should bring their imagination along with their favorite children's book for discussion. 
A 6 week session beginning June 5
Open to: writers of all levels of experience 
I couldn't believe it. Months ago I searched for local writing classes and came up empty. Then, BAM! This bad boy flashes across my screen. You know me and signs. It must have been meant to be, right? What are the odds?  I mean, c'mon. I meet this new friend. I happen to ask her about her camera. She happens to mention these "mystery" photography classes. I happen to try to find them. The class session happens to start just when BSD will be starting vacation so I don't have to worry about child care. Blah, blah, blah.
The course description sounds comprehensive. I hope it's worthwhile. I've been hanging out on some really amazing writer's blogs (here, here, and here) so I'm feeling pretty smart that I know what's up. This will be me....
I'm going to know all the answers. I'll be the overachiever. I'm going to blow them all away with my brilliance and creativity. They're going to ask me to teach the next session.
Yeah, right. 
This is more likely....
I'll gather up my pathetic scraps of paper with ideas and quotes and slink into the room. Wondering who the other students are. What their "level of experience" is. Am I going to be the only one who's never completed a full manuscript? Do all of my ideas suck? Are they going to all head over to the coffee shop after class to listen to poetry readings, smoke clove cigarettes and laugh about "that mom who thinks she's going to write a children's book?"
At least I can complete the first assignment. There are a ton of picture books that I love. I just need to pick one favorite. Oh, and since I don't smoke, I'll get a cool beret so maybe my classmates will let me tag along after all.
Resolution #2: Check

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good for you! You will be all kinds of awesome in that class. I know it.

Husband has convinced himself I should write a novel. Why?! So I can be yet another of the nine bazillion Mommy Bloggers who over-estimate their braggy selves?

Truth is I want to, though. And what I need the most is a first step. A place to leap from.

I'm jealous that you found your first little cliff. Jump, girl!

Lisa @ lists in my pocket said...

Good for you for taking that leap! This sounds like an awesome opportunity. Keep us posted!

sloan said...

the comparison of Tracy Flick to the Ally Sheedy Breakfast Club character cracks me up ... you'll be better than either one of them for sure! Can't wait to hear how it goes ...
ps - would love to know more @ your camera/lenses, esp on those shots of your kids from the 4/25 post - maybe via email? thx!

Kim said...

SS- Your comment made my day! Thank you. Jump with me. C'mon, let's do this together.

Lisa- Thank you! I will update as the class progresses.

Sloan - Thank you! My camera is a basic Canon Rebel. It's a few years old already so the newer ones have more bells/whistles. The lens I love to use is the 50mm fixed 1.8. It's only $100 and can't be beat for that price. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. You can email me at kimgrowsup@yahoo.com.

Melissa said...

it's a sign - absol sign up and write that book that kids will be talking about for years- i introd myself on your post about 'green' shakes and had a giggle- go have a look....happy writing...

melissa :)

beachhouse etc. said...

ok lovin this post i remember this ..suzanne thanks for joining my blog have a sunny daysuzanne