Monday, June 15, 2009

How to be a writer

"To begin... To begin... How to start? I'm hungry. I should get coffee. Coffee would help me think. Maybe I should write something first, then reward myself with coffee. Coffee and a muffin. Okay, so I need to establish the themes. Maybe a banana-nut. That's a good muffin."
~ Adaptation



Since I'm still waiting to hear back on the results of the latest New Yorker cartoon contest, I don't actively hold any hard feelings towards them and wanted to share this article on the industry of teaching creative writing. Can it actually be taught and, if so, who are the best teachers? Fascinating for anyone who has even ever just participated in a bizarre workshop or two.

And as a natural complement to the analytical side of things, a piece from McSweeney's with actual workshop critiques. I know for a fact that I've received or read even more outrageous comments and probably more ridiculous stories. However, some of these comments could possibly be in response to a drug-fueled explicit porn story, in which case I would have to reevaluate my statement.

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