I took a creative writing class in college, and found it to be sort of like exercising. My attempts early in the semester were creaky and pretty awful, but with regular practice they improved. I ended up pulling an all nighter a couple of nights during finals week to polish up a final story for the class – not required, but I was inspired. Timing could have been better, though!
For a time I found a great deal of joy in writing. At my hospital, a physician started a group under the heading of “narrative medicine,” which is writing about the patient care experience, as well as sharing stories developed from the amazing ones were are privy to hear. We write, criticize each others work, and it has been a humbling and very gratifying project. Right now I feel I have nothing to say. Just too busy. Previously, as well, I had a cause due to impactful deaths among those close to me. But at some point again, perhaps the muse and time will return.
"Others out there trying to take up writing? I want to hear your stories as well. "
- Well, I did not take up writing and I cannot tell the story if you pay me a million dollars, do not have it in me. But I am for taking up anything new to you, something that you did not think about when you were busy with kids. I took up couple of things - pottery and learning Spanish. Took classes for one and doing it on my own with another. Both are absolutely addictive. I am glad that I tried. Having great fun and do not need to waste time anymore shopping for presents! I was accepted to the pottery guild too.
Just try anything new, very worthwhile and I imagine that writing may be your call, who knows!!
I have taken a few university extension classes in creative writing and they were great. It sounds like it would be useful to workshop your novella.
@MiamiDAP - <<>> Yay, congrats. I totally agree with your statement, “Just try anything new.”.