My First Writing Course

My First Writing Course

It’s 10:28pm. I just got back from my first writing class. There were 16 or 17 of us taking the class. A few young ones, but most ranging from 40 to 60 years old. We went around the room introducing ourselves, one by one telling a snippet of the memoirs we came to write. Most of our premises were the same – most of us are acting on a passion, a dream – finally taking the time to tell our stories.

Within the class were a medical professor and a college counselor. A marketing professional and an engineer. In the back sat a member of one of the greatest classic rocks bands of all times.

In the class is a New Yorker who started her career as a dancer for the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Her story starts with her father, the first negro concert pianist to play in Carnegie Hall.

Then there’s the young woman whose mentor was removed from office, quietly and swiftly, because of his forbidden acts. She wants to put her thoughts on paper so she can process her confused and somewhat unresolved feelings.

On the right side was professional chef, a youngish man with a heavy Latin accent. He explained the story he has in his head, one that beautifully compares the stages of love to a delicious recipe.

Our first assignment was to free-write for a few minutes, to record a ‘shimmering image’ that recurs in our memory.

For me it was: “My first sensorial thought goes back to that very first morning in New York, a Saturday in late June. A little afraid, a lot in awe, I ventured out onto the neighborhood streets of the West Village. It was early, maybe 6:30 or 7. A haunting silence hung over the cobblestone streets of this quaint little neighborhood. The fresh, dewy morning smells seemed to override the scent of dog urine and last night’s drinks . . .”

I was reminded tonight that none of us have the same story. Each is different, each is colorful, each vital in its own way.

I can’t wait til next week.

I can’t wait to hear them all.

9 Comments
  • Michele Stapleton
    Posted at 04:54h, 20 February

    You are such an inspiration. I hope your class is all you dreamt it would be and more!

  • lisaweldon
    Posted at 06:43h, 20 February

    Just trying to keep up with you, sister. Believe me, your Spanish class sounds a whole lot harder – Creo que su clase de español es mucho más difícil

  • candy maley
    Posted at 08:55h, 20 February

    I can’t wait to hear about next week too!

    • lisaweldon
      Posted at 23:20h, 21 February

      I’ll let you know! ps: saw Rick today walking Biscuit.

  • Joanna
    Posted at 09:00h, 20 February

    I think you are going to really enjoy this class.

    • lisaweldon
      Posted at 12:13h, 20 February

      i wish you were in there, too!

  • Jane K.
    Posted at 10:38h, 20 February

    No grass is growing under YOUR feet! Hope the course is fabulous. Your blog was great.

  • barbarashallue
    Posted at 22:55h, 21 February

    I took my first class at a community college over 20 years ago – the best writing class I’ve ever had. It was much as you described, a wide variety of people, all ages and walks of life, but with a common goal of sharing their stories. Have fun!

  • lisaweldon
    Posted at 23:22h, 21 February

    I plan on it. Yeah, I think this’ll be a lot of fun. All these characters seem so interesting and willing to share their stories.