Writers' conference, that's all she wrote

"Writing workshops should make you want to write." A big thank you to Carol, one of my writing workshop mates, for telling me that last night. My internal pendulum was on a big swing on the negative side. Carol's sage thought brought it back down.

Yesterday was a pivotal workshop day for me. My manuscript was being critiqued in both of the workshops I was taking.

My morning workshop really liked the manuscript in a gentle 'needs work' kind of way. Overall, it was very positive feedback even on my faults. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, if you can take one of her workshops do so. For me to spend part of my lunchtime after her workshop reworking my manuscript should tell you something. Her comments and the way she led the class on their comments - including mine - made a huge difference. I felt pumped leaving her workshop and I know I wasn't alone.

My other workshop is a different story. They hated the manuscript. As I'm known for exaggeration, I'll give you just a few of the critical comments given:

1. "It's just ten pages about checking into a hotel."
2. "Know nothing about the lead character and don't care to learn."
3. "The character could rent out some of her emotional space."

And these were just some of the teacher's comments! Think about it, given comment 2, does it not follow that comment 3 was directed at me. Probably not, but at the time it felt like it.

My classmates weren't any better. Yes the writer who wrote about the mother telling her daughter about her abortion for the 1,000th time hated it. The class and instructor loved her piece. The guy using yo yo tricks to kick start a homosexual relationship hated my piece. The class and instructor loved his.

I left this workshop, feeling devastated and perplexed. Luckily I stayed around for the cocktail hour and ran into Carol, the sage advice giver. I almost didn't make it into room holding the cocktail party, having to step around the afternoon workshop group just to walk into the place. But I did and soon after was feeling much better.