the teacher was sitting down and we all sat round a big table in a circle.

The seminar room we're in is those horrid chairs with a fat arm for writing on (drives the LH-ers nuts, too). I'd much rather it was a table, but it's the wrong shape even for rearranging the chairs into a circle. But the students are lovely, so I'm sure we'll be fine...

Emma

Yes, I know the ones you mean. We had those for the Journalism course, in the Town Hall round the corner. The Advanced Fiction (!) was in the main building one of those rooms off the art corridor at the far end, so they had tables. The lecturer made us re-arrange them into one big one.

Your class sounds as if it will work out fine.

Sheila

Just caught this thread! I've actually just decided to pack in teaching CW. Would rather be doing, frankly. I have problem trying to tie it all up like there's an answer and I actually can teach people to write. Had enough. Blaaaah!!

I make this sound an easy decision but actually it's been churning me up for nine months or so. I just don't have the confidence because I've always been an instinctive writer and all CW courses seem to want students to analyse first and write second.

Jem, I think it's true that too high a proportion of writing classes are depressingly product-oriented: how do these things work, how can I do it, have I succeeded? Of course if one's writing in a particular form or genre you have to do that to some extent, but it's such a narrowing of the possibilities of writing.

I have a wonderful writing class run by the great Diane Samuels which isn't like that at all, so it can be done. She calls it 'Yoga for writers' and it's all about process, and not at all about product. The real test is that there can be every possible standard of writer in the room - from people much more published than me, to complete beginners - and we all get something out of it. It often turns out to be huge fun, as well, and we're all reminded why we go on doing this stuff. Having said it's not product-oriented, I've got some short stories out of it, and even when I haven't, it sends me back to the coal face as refreshed as if I'd had a holiday.

Emma

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And as you can imagine, in Diane's class there are absolutely NO 'answers', only things that happen.

But I feel for you, deciding to change direction: never an easy thing to do. I'm sure you're right, though, if you fundamentally don't feel right about it.

'Yoga for writers'

Now that sounds fun - or at the very least, relaxing.
Is she the playwrite who did Kindertransport? (not seen it, but would like to).

Yes, she is. I saw the recent Shared Experience revival of it - fantastic play! And she has a new children's play at the Unicorn any minute now.

Emma

Ooh! I wonder if they've had a press night yet. I'll try to find out.

Sheila

I just don't have the confidence because I've always been an instinctive writer and all CW courses seem to want students to analyse first and write second.

Ah, now, I think that's why I wouldn't be able to do it, really. I'm not sure I understand how the creative process works at all.

There's a big poster at the station that says 'We don't mix yoga with winetasting'.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not against yoga. But if I want yoga I'll sign up for yoga; if I want writing I'll sign up for writing.

Does that sound entirely irrational?

Sheila

No, not irrational at all. Maybe it's something that only makes sense if you've done good yoga as well as being a writer.

Just as good yoga makes you feel as if you exist in the same body, but one that works better and more completely and freely than it ever has, what Diane does makes you feel that your instinct for words and ideas and people and places is freer, richer, more open, more fluent. You go home wholly yourself, but able to write better and more completely and freely...

Emma

It sounds as if I ought to try it sometime, instead of being so sceptical.

Sheila

Oh, I'm all for scepticism. I think it's a kind of class that only works with the right teacher. WWmail me if you do want the details - she's on the south edge of Hampstead, but it's worth it...

Emma

You're not saying you actually do yoga in that class, are you Emma?
Intriqued to know what sort of exercises she has you doing - mental, writerly ones, I mean.

Thanks, Emma. I'm a bit short of funds and time just now, which is why I'm drawn to the Kent job.

It would mean cancelling two language classes I attend on Tuesdays, so just a substitute in terms of time.

However, the money would be handy. I want to go on holiday to China and can't see any way of funding it other than working.

The job not about creative writing but about writing for the media. I'm getting a bit long in the truth for what Jim calls the hurly burly, but maybe the hurly may not be so burly in Kent?

Who am I kidding?

Sheila

PS The play Naomi mentioned starts on Nov 2nd and runs to Dec 2nd.

Sheila - the hurly in Kent is the burliest I've met, but all good-natured fun.

Jim