Comments for Writing Workshop

Comment on Stifling Discipline in Creative Writing by Jayrod Garrett

Jayrod Garrett — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:37:56 +0000

I’m one of those kids who if they had taken Ritalin, would have been destroyed. I am certain there are cases where the child does need the medication, but from what I have seen it is much like anti-depressants and is over prescribed. We live in a microwave society that is always looking for the next quick fix. My Mom chose to spend the time to teach me to focus. It took at least three years for me to really be able to do it. That freed me from needing the drug, and left me with the energy and drive to be creative. Creativity doesn’t just require imagination, it also requires energy to do something with. And most kids I’ve seen on Ritalin, just don’t have the energy left to bloom with. That’s just my opinions and observations. Great post, Tracy.

Comment on Stifling Discipline in Creative Writing by trhickman

trhickman — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:37:29 +0000

I did not mean to imply that Ritalin impacted or suppressed creativity … rather that children who are creative and active are often misdiagnosed as ADD and proscribed the drug to control their behavior rather than an actual condition. While the prescription of the drug may have some beneficial and proper application, the numbers of children being given this drug are considerably out of proportion to those who may actually need it. My experience has been that it is all too often a too easy diagnosis prescribed more for the convenience, relief and comfort of the teachers and parents of children who are square pegs that others are trying to fit into the round holes of other’s systems and expectations rather than for the good of the child per se. I do not doubt there are those you need this drug … but they are far more rare that the current ‘epidemic’ suggests.

Comment on Stifling Discipline in Creative Writing by conrad steenkamp

conrad steenkamp — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:12:26 +0000

Interesting and insightful article, though I have to comment on the Ritalin thing as you are perpetrating something of an inaccuracy there. Ritalin has no negative impact on creativity, this has been thoroughly researched. Whether it should be prescribed or not is another matter. I for one think that it should – on the basis of proper diagnosis. Others think differently.

Comment on Contact & Service by Mark

Mark — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:04:24 +0000

We saw that you are signed up to participate at LTUE this year. Are you going to do a KIller Breakfast? Please? Pretty please? Last year’s was very fun. Thanks for considering it!

Comment on Onlnie Writing Seminars by The Holiday Gift of Story | Writing Workshop

The Holiday Gift of Story | Writing Workshop — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:30:51 +0000

[...] Writing Foundations [...]

Comment on What do we do NOW? by Kristin Riggs

Kristin Riggs — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:07:42 +0000

Thank you for this bit of advice. What silly writers we are when we think we know our story better than our charactes.

Comment on What do we do NOW? by Adam Meyers

Adam Meyers — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 02:47:02 +0000

Wow. May I never find myself in that situation, or may mt characters flay me alive for my folly.

Comment on Seminars & Services by trhickman

trhickman — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:49:15 +0000

Thanks, Bob! Fixed ‘em!

Comment on Seminars & Services by Bob Muench

Bob Muench — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:23:51 +0000

I found that your publishing curriculum links are dead. Just an FYI Tracy. Love what you are doing, and as the orangutan said in JUNGLE BOOK: “I wanna be like yooooooo.”

Comment on Onlnie Writing Seminars by trhickman

trhickman — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:44:55 +0000

The Character Structure and archetypes that you’re talking about is covered in our course in WK 3 which we now call ‘The Usual Suspects.’ In the video and workbook materials for that part of our course we discuss not only the quantified relationship between character and plot but give three examples of how characters fit these archetypes by demonstrating ‘Star Wars’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ as examples. In addition, I have an extensive treatment given to our writers in the course of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ dissecting that epic story down into its component separate and interwoven characters based on analyzing the characters from the book. And, of course, there are the discussion forums open to everyone in the course where we can discuss the dissection of various other stories and their characters and answer your questions regarding any points of the structure. Does that help?