Monday, February 14, 2011

Writing: A Loooooooong Apprenticeship

In the traditional meaning: "apprenticeship" became prominent in medieval Europe with the emergence of the craft guilds. The standard apprenticeship lasted seven years, from age 14 to 21, for example. [Back then you died at 40, so there wasn't time for career burnout.]

I like to use the word apprenticeship to describe writing, because unless one is enormously freakishly talented at a disgustingly young age, [see The New Yorker's "Writers under 40" ] writing takes years of disciplined writing BIC* to get to a place where you sort of know what you're doing. A disciplined schedule, etc. etc. Sweat, howling pain.

Sort of like a blacksmith in the 1300's.

And once you know what you're doing, you know what you're doing wrong, so you have to learn to be kind to yourself, and patient, even as you squeeze your discouraged/lazy/weary self with an iron grip and shake and say get back to work. 

I don't know exactly where this is leading , except to say I thought of the loooong apprenticeship yesterday when I lead the Writing Room's Community Writing Workshop, and one of the 14 students asked how long it takes to learn to write. [They were a diverse group--from college age to retired.] A trick question. You don't want to discourage new--or returning--writers, but it's fair to say it's a long apprenticeship, darlin' so get cracking.

Which reminds me, too, of one of my favorite quotes, this one from Martin Luther King: The arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice.

Which, among many meanings, reminds one that patience is a virtue.

*BUTT IN CHAIR









Thursday, February 3, 2011

February 18th Book Inn Luncheon

I love events in January and February because there are-- rarely--any temptations to go outside and bask in the sun or sweat at weed pulling.
The Garden Angel, unflappable


It's book weather, and book club discussion season.  My next opportunity is the Author's Luncheon at Book Inn  in the Columbia, SC area, so if you're in central South Carolina or want to take a drive, I'd probably* love to see you.
*"Probably" being a caveat applied to escaped prisoners or old boyfriends.

Here are the where's and when's:

Friday, February 18th
The 1425 Inn at 1425 Richland Street, Columbia SC, is hosting the Author’s Luncheons. For more information about the inn, including directions, go to The 1425 Inn.
Beginning at noon, Ms. Friddle will address the group. Lunch will be served and a book signing will follow. Books may be purchased in advance or at the event.Tickets must be reserved by Thursday, February 10, 2011. The price of a ticket is $15 and may be reserved by calling The 1425 Inn at 252-7225.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Page Turner Luncheon

Yesterday's Luncheon benefited Newspapers in Education, an issue I strongly support.

The article from the Times and Democrat in Orangeburg.

The video of Questions & Answers:
http://www.thetandd.com/news/article_4e66480c-2e8c-11e0-bb4c-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=video











Each table had a clever beautiful flower arrangement:
eXTReMe Tracker