Yesterday was my last session of a writing workshop offered at the Thomas More institute.  12 weeks of fiction writing.

It’s been swell.

Actually it’s been more than swell, it’s been great.

For 12 weeks, the workshop has challenged me, improved me and provided me with new ideas and fresh perspectives.

The readings were great and pulled me out of my comfort zone.  The assignments were quite good at solidifying what I’d learned, the ideas I played with and they stimulated my desire to write and pushed it to new levels.

I went into it with doubts (having had bad experiences years beforehand).  Anxiety mixed with excitement (an explosive combination) but from the start I was amazed, tickled and downright inspired by the students and the leaders.    The leaders were insightful, knowledgeable and nurturing.  The students, what can I say about the students?  The group was enthusiastic, warm and full of life, eclectic in the best way possible.  They were so full of skill and inspiration and it pushed me to try harder in my own work.

You were all wonderful.

I thank you all.

I now I have a month to write a short story which will then be read (along with all the others) at what is gearing up to be a very pleasant evening.

I intend to savor the writing.

I am sad to see the workshop end.

Time to write.