[stylist] Writing workshops

Mon Sep 19 21:40:50 UTC 2011

Hi Bridget

I realize the importance of human input and have considered local 
classes and groups with no success.  For me the online approach is the 
most feasible at this time.  Even if I were totally sighted, I would be 
focusing on online options due to my family situation.  Since I am now 
blind, I took the step to contact this list.

I live in a rural area with no reliable means of public transportation.  
Online classes is a way for me to adapt to my situation.  It is a 
start.  I am in a household situation where I can develop the discipline 
and grow to the point where the cumbersome travel to a local group or 
class might be more acceptable.  Perhaps I might even meet people online 
who would want to start a local group.

A local group may be more problematic for me as usually participants 
read their work to the group or maybe group members pass around their 
work, not sure.  In my case, I never was taught Braille because high 
partial sighted students were not given this opportunity.  Even if I 
started learning Braille now, I would not be proficient enough to read 
in a group setting nor would I be able to read selections of others.

I do appreciate your comments and am very thankful for the links to 
online courses list members have sent me.

Brenda

On 9/19/2011 4:08 PM, Brigit Pollpeter wrote:
> Brenda,
>
> Online classes are helpful and beneficial, and many of our members can
> attest to this. The really great aspect of online courses is that you
> can enroll in classes at top institutions, or take from great
> authors/instructors, that aren't available locally.
>
> Have you ever considered taking writing classes at an academic
> institution or community learning center in your local area? If you live
> in a town or city, there usually are places like this where you can
> receive the instruction you're seeking.
>
> We can certainly learn and grow from online classes or reading books and
> other material, but there's nothing like being physically present in a
> classroom. Written communication is a great modern resource, and with
> the advent of the internet and social network sites, we have a plethora
> of ways in which we can connect and find information. Human interaction
> is still an important element to life, though, especially when it comes
> to learning.
>
> I attended a four year academic institution and graduated with a BFA in
> creative writing. Sitting in an actual workshop, giving and receiving
> live feedback and learning from peers and instructors who I could
> converse with and ask questions in person, was like no other experience.
> Before attending university, I'd studied writing by reading books- both
> literature and writing guides- and connecting with other writers, but
> for me, I learned the most once I entered the workshop environment in
> person.
>
> Now, before I get comments in rebuttal (giggle) I understand it's not
> necessary for everyone to learn in this type of setting. I'm simply
> offering another option for consideration, and extending my personal
> experience. What's good for me, may not be for others.
>
> A formal academic setting isn't always necessary either, and of course,
> there is the cost to consider. Writing classes and workshops exist,
> however, in many, many settings. I urge you to consider these options as
> well.
>
> And I'll say this: You say that discipline is one of your biggest
> problems when it comes to writing. Online classes of any subject require
> a lot of discipline. I've taken online courses, and you have to be
> focused, engaged and on the ball about assignments and any interaction
> required for the class or that may be beneficial. Whether academic or
> not, this type of dedication is necessary. If you're seeking structure
> and worried about your discipline, considering an in-person class may be
> an option you want to seriously ponder.
>
> Online classes are not necessarily cheaper either. Look into writing
> classes/workshops at local community colleges, learning centers,
> community groups/activities, etc. There may even be a local writers
> group that meets monthly you can participate with.
>
> Take this for what it's worth. I can only offer my personal experience
> and opinion, and I'd be willing to discuss this more off-list if you, or
> anyone, is interested and wants more info. In terms of accessibility,
> while we're still waiting for the online resources to become 100%
> accessible, we find more and more websites to be so, and many of us
> engage in online activities with little to no issues with accessibility.
> Attending a class/workshop in person, though, can often cut down on
> accessibility concerns.
>
> Again, take this for what it's worth, but I'm, for all intense and
> purposes, totally blind (I only mention this to underline the fact I
> require alternative means for everything in terms of reading/writing and
> other school-related aspects) and I required very few accommodations to
> accomplish what my peers did. I didn't find the in-person environment
> less inaccessible nor did I find it difficult to learn. I graduated at
> the top with few accommodations from my disability services office on
> campus, my state rehab agency for the blind or myself. I say all this
> merely to explain that, for me, I didn't find an in-person learning
> environment challenging in terms of accessibility, and I was able to
> "keep-up" with the rest of the class. It was an amazing experience that
> I recommend.
>
> Again, a four year institution may not be the route for everyone
> especially if you're just looking to just take a class/workshop here and
> there, but there are plenty of other ways to experience an in-person
> setting that provides feedback and instruction through actual human
> interaction. Online communities are great and bring people together from
> all over, but I think many of us would agree that if we could meet
> in-person, the experience would be even better.
>
> So, this is just another option to consider. Community colleges offer
> writing class and many have noncredit classes meant for people not
> pursuing a formal education. Many community centers will have similar
> workshops the public can participate in, and most communities have
> writing groups open to the public and meet monthly. Checking your local
> newspaper, or online, is a great way to find out about things like this.
>
> Regardless of what route you take, the members of Stylist are here to
> support and offer any advice we can. You can certainly pose questions
> right here on Stylist and receive responses from multiple people. Or
> post a sample of writing for constructive criticism and feedback. Good
> luck and keep us posted on your writing endeavors.
>
> Sincerely,
> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
> Read my blog for Live Well Nebraska.com at
> http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
>
> "History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
> The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:28:31 -0400
> From: Brenda<bjnite at windstream.net>
> To: "Homme, James"<james.homme at highmark.com>, stylist at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Using online workshop websites
> Message-ID:<4E776DAF.5010901 at windstream.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Hi Jim and List
>
> I think the concepts for Jaws and Window eyes are similar .  Perhaps you
>
> could help me figure out how to navigate the sites Atty gave me by
> trying them and seeing what you can do with Jaws.  If you can find
> things with Jaws, I probably can figure out how to do it with Window
> eyes.   I can read plenty on the net and want to read the book "on
> Writing" by Stephen King, but I need the interaction and structure of a
> class to help as well. I am especially concerned about the platform for
> the writing workshops.  The websites Atty gave me do not let you see a
> sample and there is no human phone contact which concerns me.  but if
> Atty did it I probably can too once I learn more about the sites. The
> sites I'm trying to navigate are:
>
> http://www.ed2go.com
> http://www.savvyauthors.com
> Remember, they don't give a sample of the workshop format as far as I
> can tell.
>
>
>
> robert sent me the info about joining the NFB writers group.  My first
> step in that direction is joining this list.  I will consider doing more
>
> as time goes on.
>
> I do thank folks on this list for their time and willingness to help me.
> Brenda
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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