Excellent fencing. I'm very much with you on the possibilities and the drawbacks.
One thing you don't mention is the sad fact that some of the power of the expensive/formal/academic course is networking. Courses often offer access to agents and other professionals - who in turn have a ready-made supply of well-trained authors. Hey ho.
I remember when I (accidentally) became involved with spoken word poets, Jo Bell, one of the best teachers, pointed out that she still goes to as many poetry workshops as she can manage because it's a way to find a spark, even if not new methods. I feel a bit like that. I was lucky enough to spot a few free or ridiculously cheap (subsidised) things back then and they really kick-started my live gigs. Now I just lurk online and chat, tch.
Ann
I really enjoyed getting to know you in your articles I read today.
I am a complete Newbie in this field.
A friend told me about Substack a couple of days ago. I’ve been devouring the info and subscribed to a couple of writers.
I have yet to write anything. I really don’t know how to start.
I have one self published novel I wrote in 2010. I have several short stories I’ve written but have done nothing with them.
Sorry to infringe upon you but I guess I am asking for a little advice.
Thank you for reading this.
June Wood
Excellent fencing. I'm very much with you on the possibilities and the drawbacks.
One thing you don't mention is the sad fact that some of the power of the expensive/formal/academic course is networking. Courses often offer access to agents and other professionals - who in turn have a ready-made supply of well-trained authors. Hey ho.
I remember when I (accidentally) became involved with spoken word poets, Jo Bell, one of the best teachers, pointed out that she still goes to as many poetry workshops as she can manage because it's a way to find a spark, even if not new methods. I feel a bit like that. I was lucky enough to spot a few free or ridiculously cheap (subsidised) things back then and they really kick-started my live gigs. Now I just lurk online and chat, tch.