About a year ago my grandson Nicc asked me for writing lessons. I thought, I might as well get together a group of men. Then maybe I can begin to understand how they ought to be taught. There were two young men Nicc and a barista who both learned and learned well. But the others were 60 and above. I failed with them. I decided not to teach writing anymore.
“Nannie,†Nicc said, “you were a good teacher. You should teach writing again.â€
This time he pushed. I launched my classes again, found many people signing up. In the end I had four classes, mostly women, though I have a few men who turned into very good writers. That is my thrill. I listen to them read their work and find that they have become very good writers. Then I pat myself on the back and say, You did a good job.
Let me reprint the evaluations of some of this crop of students:
This Joy of Writing class is one I looked forward to and hoped would last. To discover one’s art is to call forth the heart. To put down on paper is not only empathic but also cathartic. To give voice to one’s being makes life worth living. To see truthfully s to gain consciousness. There will be pain at first but joy does burst. In the remembering, the soul-making and weaving. And all this is writing!
I would not have thought that I would be able to write in such an elegant manner. I knew I could write but not as beautiful as the pieces I wrote in class. Thank you for discovering this in me a reawakening the sheer joy of writing. Digging deep and saying it so naturally. The rhythm and rhyme in the way I write now reflect what I learned. Not only was the workshop pleasurable, it was fun. Learning from others and more than that learning what I can do and learning to go deep into myself until finally you reveal yourself. Thanks for the “memoirs.â€
The best thing about this class is being able to write flawlessly. The method is one that I will make use of in all my writings, whether at work or off. I believe it is the one that helps the writing flow continuously. I will not hesitate to recommend this class to others and to take succeeding classes under Ms. Barbara.
The class was really helpful in helping me structure my thoughts. Your method now organizes the ideas that I have in my head before writing those down on paper. I loved the exercises. Not only were they helpful in honing my writing skills, the exercises also helped me dig deep in my emotions and unknown troubles. Thank you for sharing your insights and stories, Barbara. This class has been more than helpful. I definitely learned more things than writing. (A young male student in his 20s)
A journey of discovery! I enjoyed the class because I discovered that I could write. Thanks to Ms. Gonzalez for this wonderful experience. She taught us the many ways to write and I like the method because it removes the mental blocks that make it difficult to write. I would recommend the Joy of Writing class to any one who wants to learn how to write or just to experience the sheer joy of putting one’s thoughts on paper. (An older man, battling with cancer).
The first time I read about the course was years and years ago. I think I had a little savings at the time and I was willing to part with it to pay the enrollment fee. However the Saturday schedule then was in conflict with my out-of-town trips so I never got around to it. I wasn’t looking for it but good things sometimes drop out of the blue. I don’t regtet a single minute that I have spent in this course. I wish my nieces who love to write will take this course. The course brought me back to pathways I journeyed through and made me look at them with different eyes. I looked and saw something different. I listened and heard the voices from within. Thank you for helping us discover the joy of writing.
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Did you read all that? There’s a lot more I just couldn’t print for lack of space. So I decided to teach again. My students are graduating. It’s time to recruit people for my next classes, which will be held on Saturday afternoons beginning on Aug. 17, Sunday afternoons beginning Aug. 18, and Tuesday afternoons beginning Aug. 20. These are the beginner’s classes. If you are interested, please text me your email and I will send you more information.
Right now, I am on cloud nine. It feels so good to have your students think about you this way.
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Please text your comments to 0917-8155570.