Streeeetch

My new writing class started last night. So far, I don't like it as much as I liked the one I took last term.

The class I took last term was a good mix of experienced writers and people just starting to write. I landed somewhere in the middle, which was nice. However, since the class was very introductory, I never felt out of my league. I don't necessarily feel that way in my new class, and there are a number of people in the class who are at the same place with their writing as I am. This new class does feel like it's the next step up, and maybe that's what makes me uncomfortable. I talk about wanting to write, and I really do love doing it. But there's also something about it that scares me. Something that keeps me from staying motivated. I want this class to stretch me to a point where I can get past those feelings.

The other (major) thing that's different is that this term I don't have weekly assignments. It's just expected that I am working on a piece. The problem I've been having between the end of my last class and this one is actually sitting down to write. I was hoping this class would help to motivate me. The openness of it is going to be a challenge for me.

So, I don't feel quite as comfortable this term. But I've decided that I'm going to view this as a positive. Having my work read and critiqued by people who not only have more experience than me, but also have very different writing styles is a good thing, no matter how intimidating it might feel.

For the next couple of months, yoga will stretch me physically, and this writing class will stretch me mentally and emotionally. Hopefully I don't pull a muscle.