I took a beginners writing class recently for a credit (I seemed to miss I needed 9 credits of Bachelors of Arts courses for a history major) and had a similar experience where a class of Freshmen students asked what their thesis should be for a short fiction piece they were assigned to write. Another asked where the rubric was. To their dismay, our writing professor told them to be creative, and write as they please. Great stuff here, loved "Bird by Bird."
I am struck by your comment, "When I write something I like, let that satisfaction suffice." Does this extend beyond overcoming likes addiction and to not caring whether a piece is published or not? I think I have some similarities with your student (aside from being much older ;)) in that I assume there must be some formula I have missed. Many deny it is so (& I want to), but then the structure, style and topics of pieces that editors seem to accept is very similar, defying that denial. Curious.
I took a beginners writing class recently for a credit (I seemed to miss I needed 9 credits of Bachelors of Arts courses for a history major) and had a similar experience where a class of Freshmen students asked what their thesis should be for a short fiction piece they were assigned to write. Another asked where the rubric was. To their dismay, our writing professor told them to be creative, and write as they please. Great stuff here, loved "Bird by Bird."
I am struck by your comment, "When I write something I like, let that satisfaction suffice." Does this extend beyond overcoming likes addiction and to not caring whether a piece is published or not? I think I have some similarities with your student (aside from being much older ;)) in that I assume there must be some formula I have missed. Many deny it is so (& I want to), but then the structure, style and topics of pieces that editors seem to accept is very similar, defying that denial. Curious.