"So, what's the point here? Why would anyone do this?"
I'm all for asking questions but there's no need to be rude. The workshop leader tries to explain.
"I just don't believe I've wasted my time on this. You're not telling me anything I don't already know."
But she didn't leave, she kept sitting there silently and not so silently fuming. At the end of the workshop, when the leader asked if anyone had questions I really hoped that she wouldn't go there, but this dissenter did.
"So what you're saying is, just go figure it out for yourselves. You're not telling us anything."
She left maaaaad.
What was the topic? Unlocking your Writing style. The leader was a writer and an educator and the idea was to analyze your learning style (are you visual? verbal? Active, reflective?) so that you can better understand the way you learn. This would enable you to take advantage of the right techniques that exist out there - is Outlining for you? What about character profiles? Journaling? Concentrating on details? Sequential thinking or Global?
It was a cool little workshop. The leader seemed a little hesitant, a little preoccupied, and I think that's one reason this person felt they could jump on her and vent. It was a pretty intellectual approach to writing, when this unhappy writer, in her own words, wanted 'answers, how tos'
It was kind of a downer for a good but exhausting day. My butt hurts from sitting so long. I got some great feedback (more on that later) and some lukewarm feedback (from an agent pitch - boo-hoo)
Later Tonight: Anonymous Read & Critique. I wish I could go in my PJ's
How bizarre. I'm sorry you had to encounter the Conference Grouch. Luckily there usually aren't very many of them. I'm glad you were able to take away some useful lessons—that's the who purpose of attending these events in the first place!
ReplyDeleteExciting stuff. Takes all sorts I guess. Thanks for sharing, was cool to see the other side of conferences (even though it was probably a little embarrassing at the time).
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