This is so relatable, as the writing group I was in, imploded at the start of the "pandemic." As a writer and teacher who spends an inordinate amount of time alone, the writing group offers a window into human behavior that is necessary for my growth as a writer. The observations made in this post parallel some of Flannery O'Connor's best writing about characters. When I first started writing, the Creative Writing courses at the local college were a great source of interest to me. So on this end, it's not so much how useful the group is in terms of advancing or understanding my own writing; it's an opportunity to observe group dynamics. I gather that humans haven't really changed all that much, and that the urge to not take the work seriously is the attitude of the average person.
In my group, which met in New York City and saw several characters come and go, there were a few of us eager to start off the evening with discussions of current topics, myself included. Those raising questions were not "woke" (myself among them.) For a while, there was often a humorous exchange until a Millennial got "triggered" over some issue to do with race because her black boyfriend "can't get a cab" yet somehow scored an invitation to a White House dinner...(her writing was so intellectually dishonest, it was hilarious....)
As we entered the "pandemic" any discussion of the "pandemic" or anything political was off the table. This energy was supplied by the Gen X women. And in my experience, it was women who were least capable of discussing anything. As far as I was concerned, how could we not discuss what was happening around us? When I dared suggest that locking everything down was scientifically ridiculous, my synthesis of several experts, which I was eager to share, I was labeled a "grandma killer" and the group imploded. Earlier, while analyzing the course the virus takes -- seeming like a garden variety flu, a brief recovery, then a descent into serious illness, one woman cried out to stop talking about it, she couldn't stand it...
I'm a female more than disappointed in this type of behavior in women. Across the board, it's the women who can't handle a serious discussion. I am not talking about all women, of course, but a phenomenon that, interestingly enough, has become the dominant societal strain since we entered a full-blown "safetyism" matriarchy.
And that incapacity to fully participate in world affairs -- even if it means embarking on a serious analytical discussion -- permeates discourse today, while finding a microcosm in the dynamics of a writing group. I could go on and on as one whose work takes place in what amounts to a hen house with a few bedraggled roosters silently wandering the outer perimeters of the barnyard. The stupid, untested ideas that actually make matters worse for everyone -- which refuse to be discussed -- honestly, I don't know how much more of this I can take.
The declining standards in academia are a women's project. I am sorry to say this, but it's the truth. It's all about imparting morals to "children." You can witness this malaise in any writing group.
Groups are a great way to think about writing more deeply and intently. I didn't grow up around literary people and I didn't take any lit classes in college, so the little exposure to groups I've had so far have helped me develop the thinking part. I would do it more often if I could.
The idea that it was uncool to take yourself seriously hit home so much. I used to think the same way, although I have various theories as to where I picked up that attitude. Thankfully I have since outgrown that malformed identity quirk.
That being said, I do enjoy our little writing group, even as it's not a workshop.
Wow that was awesome. I was right there in the room with you. I would have been fucked. But I always just act lgnorant and explain that I'm a dick from NZ. And then I make them explain their outrage to me... Over and over and I ask questions and pretend I don't understand and then when they get frustrated I imply that they have hurt my feelings. And bam... Ahha.
I just write how shit went down, just like you do. Is is what it MF is .
"I took myself seriously as a writer. I think that last thing rankled some in the group a little." Tell me about it. Reminds me of a poetry group I went to a few times where they seemed to willfully embrace ignorance and stupidity. I really don't know any other way of describing it, even now it's shocking to remember. Others I've been to also have the Woke presence; even if there's just one outspoken person it's like a guiding light for the others. They all think this Woke person is brave and noble for being politically outspoken.
In short, I second what you say about writing groups. They are unnecessary. Many of the greatest writers (such as the late Cormac McCarthy) didn't even hang out with other writers.
Well written, Michael, and so easy to relate to. I don't fit in much either. I'm politically incorrect, politically apathetic, and don't understand how you can change history because you're afraid of hurting someone's feelings. People ARE racists; they ARE bigots; men ARE sexists. It just seem that if you write a character who has those traits, people don't want to accept it. I guess that's why I stay locked within my own little bubble. I say, if you don't want to read it, or it offends you, that's not me, that's on you.
This is one of your best pieces. A fair assessment, and often extremely funny. The irony, of course is that even if the group didn’t make you a better writer, they provided the material for a great essay.
This is so relatable, as the writing group I was in, imploded at the start of the "pandemic." As a writer and teacher who spends an inordinate amount of time alone, the writing group offers a window into human behavior that is necessary for my growth as a writer. The observations made in this post parallel some of Flannery O'Connor's best writing about characters. When I first started writing, the Creative Writing courses at the local college were a great source of interest to me. So on this end, it's not so much how useful the group is in terms of advancing or understanding my own writing; it's an opportunity to observe group dynamics. I gather that humans haven't really changed all that much, and that the urge to not take the work seriously is the attitude of the average person.
In my group, which met in New York City and saw several characters come and go, there were a few of us eager to start off the evening with discussions of current topics, myself included. Those raising questions were not "woke" (myself among them.) For a while, there was often a humorous exchange until a Millennial got "triggered" over some issue to do with race because her black boyfriend "can't get a cab" yet somehow scored an invitation to a White House dinner...(her writing was so intellectually dishonest, it was hilarious....)
As we entered the "pandemic" any discussion of the "pandemic" or anything political was off the table. This energy was supplied by the Gen X women. And in my experience, it was women who were least capable of discussing anything. As far as I was concerned, how could we not discuss what was happening around us? When I dared suggest that locking everything down was scientifically ridiculous, my synthesis of several experts, which I was eager to share, I was labeled a "grandma killer" and the group imploded. Earlier, while analyzing the course the virus takes -- seeming like a garden variety flu, a brief recovery, then a descent into serious illness, one woman cried out to stop talking about it, she couldn't stand it...
I'm a female more than disappointed in this type of behavior in women. Across the board, it's the women who can't handle a serious discussion. I am not talking about all women, of course, but a phenomenon that, interestingly enough, has become the dominant societal strain since we entered a full-blown "safetyism" matriarchy.
And that incapacity to fully participate in world affairs -- even if it means embarking on a serious analytical discussion -- permeates discourse today, while finding a microcosm in the dynamics of a writing group. I could go on and on as one whose work takes place in what amounts to a hen house with a few bedraggled roosters silently wandering the outer perimeters of the barnyard. The stupid, untested ideas that actually make matters worse for everyone -- which refuse to be discussed -- honestly, I don't know how much more of this I can take.
The declining standards in academia are a women's project. I am sorry to say this, but it's the truth. It's all about imparting morals to "children." You can witness this malaise in any writing group.
Groups are a great way to think about writing more deeply and intently. I didn't grow up around literary people and I didn't take any lit classes in college, so the little exposure to groups I've had so far have helped me develop the thinking part. I would do it more often if I could.
Man Michael, this was good.
The idea that it was uncool to take yourself seriously hit home so much. I used to think the same way, although I have various theories as to where I picked up that attitude. Thankfully I have since outgrown that malformed identity quirk.
That being said, I do enjoy our little writing group, even as it's not a workshop.
Wow that was awesome. I was right there in the room with you. I would have been fucked. But I always just act lgnorant and explain that I'm a dick from NZ. And then I make them explain their outrage to me... Over and over and I ask questions and pretend I don't understand and then when they get frustrated I imply that they have hurt my feelings. And bam... Ahha.
I just write how shit went down, just like you do. Is is what it MF is .
Love it!!!
Nice
"I took myself seriously as a writer. I think that last thing rankled some in the group a little." Tell me about it. Reminds me of a poetry group I went to a few times where they seemed to willfully embrace ignorance and stupidity. I really don't know any other way of describing it, even now it's shocking to remember. Others I've been to also have the Woke presence; even if there's just one outspoken person it's like a guiding light for the others. They all think this Woke person is brave and noble for being politically outspoken.
In short, I second what you say about writing groups. They are unnecessary. Many of the greatest writers (such as the late Cormac McCarthy) didn't even hang out with other writers.
Exactly. I'm not necessarily against them in principle, they just generally aren't for me.
Come to my writing group - I have no idea how anyone votes, things are often politically incorrect and there's cake!
Writing groups are great, but like any group dynamic, you gotta find the right fit. Also, there should be cake.
Politically incorrect voting and cake YES!!!!
I second this cake concept. I bet Michael would have stayed for cake.
I might!!!
Thank you, Michael. I think I’ll pass on the writer’s group thing. I’m old, and I read.
Not a bad call.
Well written, Michael, and so easy to relate to. I don't fit in much either. I'm politically incorrect, politically apathetic, and don't understand how you can change history because you're afraid of hurting someone's feelings. People ARE racists; they ARE bigots; men ARE sexists. It just seem that if you write a character who has those traits, people don't want to accept it. I guess that's why I stay locked within my own little bubble. I say, if you don't want to read it, or it offends you, that's not me, that's on you.
Precisely.
This was an enjoyable read. You are speaking from yourself without much effort and it works. Thank you.
Thank you :)
I know that Bob Dylan chick!
Indeed!
This is one of your best pieces. A fair assessment, and often extremely funny. The irony, of course is that even if the group didn’t make you a better writer, they provided the material for a great essay.
Thank you!!! High praise.