I wasn't sure where to put this, so the lounge will suffice. As some of you are aware, I have gone back to university this year after four long years of suffering in the hospitality (an industry that slowly chips away at your sanity until you have no faith left in humanity).
Going back to full-time study
should have been difficult. I admit it was a bit of a shock in terms of the lifestyle change, and yes, I'm no-where near finishing so there is the chance that I'll still crumple and find myself plonked behind a coffee machine somewhere. But what I've noticed lately is that most mature-age students (and even school leavers) struggle with their writing ability. This is particularly evident when they're abruptly asked to produce essays/reports/stories that ultimately determine a final grade.
To get to the point: I have had little to no difficultly in adapting my writing style to the guidelines provided. Sure, some of this could be natural ability, but I am personally convinced that my capacity to write well is the result of practice. One of my tutors even recently remarked that it seemed like I'd "spent years working on flow and structure."
He was right. I had. Here, in the VE.
This club might just seem like a hobby, or a little but of fun on the side, and for years that was how I perceived it. The
truth is that even if you only log on here every few weeks, or contribute sporadically, you are not only having fun, and socializing with some incredibly fabulous people from around the world: you're writing. And you're learning about how to write well.
When I joined this club six years ago I was as about as green as they come. I had far too much enthusiasm and little to no clue as to how to convert the crazy concepts milling about in my head into words in a semi-coherent fashion. But I stuck around (despite a few long-term vacations), I read a lot of other members work, and I actively sought to improve my writing via feedback from other members. I've now reached a stage where I can say that I am confident in my writing ability. And for someone who is incredibly self-critical, that seemingly simple statement offers me a great deal of reassurance.
I guess what I want to say to new VE members is take
full advantage of this club. It has an amazing collection of stories available for you to read, and some absolutely outstanding writers around that can help guide and direct you if you're struggling. Don't be afraid of taking risks: start run-ons just for the hell of it, chat about authors and stories you love, post personal work up here for others to reflect on. Offer your opinion on other members work. You never know, your suggestions/criticisms/support may be critical in helping others as much as they have helped you over the process of your time in the club.
I know the VE might just seem like a geeky, Star Wars clique, but everyone here is a writer, and the majority of us have the potential to be great writers. I know that I still have an awful lot to learn. But I'm looking forward to continue doing so in such a welcoming and supportive environment
