So as I writer it’s safe to assume I’m a reader. An avid reader. The first part of my morning, anywhere from one to two hours, sometimes three is taken up by reading.
That then preceded by writing. I’m enthralled with the narrative, the prose, the characters, the plot, the poetic verses, the semantics, all of it really.
While there are mornings and evenings I feel as if I must strike at my keyboard it’s usually a few sentences, something that comes to mind that must be captured before it evades me. I find my thoughts ever more evasive with age.
However on a typical morning it starts with reading. And once I’m fulfilled deep inside with a greater knowing or feel a sense of provocation from something profound I’ve just read I set down the book or iPad and the writing follows. And I swear after a good read it seems to just flow evermore so.
So I’ve been propositioned by pop up ads and promos and trailers to join Masterclass, an online platform with a varied group of people at the top of their craft teaching us how to be great, essentially. I suppose this is the premise. And It’s been tempting. I’ve looked into it and given it some thought.
And as we know we give things thought and then the follow through is met by distractions and other things that require greater thought and then just like that it’s out of our minds.
My dear friend who I won’t name, but tempted to gifted me a year’s subscription to Masterclass. Awesomeness overload. Thank you! And just like that I’m officially back in school. I’ve begun taking instruction from some of the greats.
Malcolm Gladwell, best selling author of David & Goliath, Blink and //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=suesatya-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B001LNK9C4&asins=B001LNK9C4&linkId=c47b663c5c9ae09cfca737dc083c9988&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true“>Outliers, just to name a few of his works. I’m a reader of his works. I’ve read the three aforementioned along with the Tipping Point.
I knew he was offering a Masterclass as part of the series so he was one of the first on my list, but he’s accompanied by others.
I’m signed up for James Patterson’s Raw Ideas class, Joyce Carol Oates The Art of the Short Story along with Judy Bloom and Margaret Atwood’s classes.
I’ve begun class and while the structure is not your typical classroom structure it’s most certainly instructional and educational.
It’s quite compelling to learn from some of these greats who have reached the top and found ultimate success in their craft. And like most writers I’m always learning, always finding new books, documentaries, literary discourse to expound on my thirst for knowledge and hunger for bettering myself.
And if you’re into writing Masterclass seems especially fitting. There are several exceptional and highly successful writers who share their ideology and techniques. “Successful writer” seems to be such an oxymoron. What about all of the amazing and gifted writers who may never find success? Although I will add it is my sincere belief if you are truly called to write and want to be a writer who finds success ye shall find what ye seek.
And while I most certainly have my own techniques and may not be changing them any time soon, I appreciate the candor with which these writers turned teachers speak about their careers and the craft. What I really honor is their openness and willingness to share harrowing tails of rejection after rejection.
It’s encouraging to know this. And while I know this is very much the case for most successful people in ever industry it’s always good to be reminded of it.
It’s good to affirm that this is just part of the process, a part of life. The rejection holds no bearing on your talent and ability. It’s just not your time until it is.
James Patterson one of the greatest selling authors of all time says his first book was rejected by thirty one publishing houses. And he also shares it’s his sincere belief those publishers failed miserably to recognize talent and skill.
True I’d say. He’s gone on to write hundreds of books, a hundred and fourteen of them New York Times Bestsellers and has an estimated net worth of $560 million. Felt adding this figure here gives greater perspective of his exceptional success.
So the point of this piece is sharing my experience of Master Class. I’m enjoying it. If there is a mentor of yours on the list then I would say it is well worth it.
And for me perhaps the fact that I was gifted this makes it even more essential I get through all my classes with grace and great gratitude. Thank you Goebi for the gift. Oops. Well it’s his nickname I’ve given him so he’s still not officially named, unless you know me personally.
