Not to brag, but...

Last night was my last writing class for the term. I haven't really mentioned much about the class since it started, but that's not because I haven't been enjoying it or learning from it. Quite the opposite is true, in fact. It's been a great experience. I've been forced to actually spend some time writing (although I procrastinated more than I'd like to admit a lot of the time), and I haven't always been happy with what I've come to class with, but everyone there was very supportive of each other. We encouraged one another and gave good critiques.

Something I was really impressed with was the range of voices in the class. Everyone's story had a distinct voice, and each voice really seemed to come from that specific person. I wouldn't bet my life on it, but I'd be fairly confident pointing out who wrote what just by reading each piece without a name on it. And here's where I stumble over my least favorite part of my writing:

I don't like my literary voice.

I have read so many amazing stories with unique, clear voices, and I get frustrated by my own. It feels boring. It's not quick or witty. I can't seem to manipulate words the way the writers and lyricists I really admire can.

So by now I'm sure you're wondering where the bragging that was alluded to in the title of this post comes in. I'll get to that now...

Last night, as I read my piece, I felt that same familiar dread sitting in the back of my head, wondering why, once again, I had come in with the least interesting writing style out of the entire group. To my serious amazement, the few minutes after I finished reading were filled with nothing but praise for what I'd written (and don't think that's all we do. There was a lot of critiquing in that class!). I was blown away by the compliments I was given about not only what I had written, but how it was written, the writing itself. I got some great suggestions from everyone, and was asked to explain more of the vision I have in mind for the story. This is where the really mind-blowing part comes in: my teacher (who is a published author), and several other people in my class who are either published or in the process of writing with the intent to publish, all suggested that I finish writing the story I have in my head, and send it to publishing companies. I didn't even know what to say (other than thank you, obviously).

Clearly, this was a very encouraging moment for me. I had been thinking that I would toss this project aside when the class was done and start working on another idea I have in mind. But last night has really inspired me to stick with what I've started. That may not mean I'll ever actually look into publishing it, but I feel like I owe it to my class (and myself) to finish this story.

All this to say, apparently I'm working on my first novel!

Oh...and one of the people in my class said that it's clear from my writing that I am very well read. That is one of my favorite compliments I have ever received!