I enjoyed listening to Mrs. Giff speak. First, I am a fan of her writing. I have read Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lily’s Crossing. I enjoyed them very much because of their deeper meaning underneath the storyline. I also thought it was very cool to listen to Mrs. Giff talking about her struggle to publish her books and never to give up on something that you believe deeply in.
My first workshop of the day was Lyrics. During the workshop, the class discussed why people write songs. Most people write songs to vent out their feelings. After our discussion, we listened to songs written about war, abuse, and broken hearts. Through the lyrics of the song, you are able to feel the artist’s pain. Once we finished listening to the music, we had the opportunity to write our own song.
I really enjoyed this workshop. I learned about why people write songs and the process a person undergoes to write a song. I also realized songs are like poems: they have a deeper meaning and are a way to use writing to vent your feelings.
At 11:30, our workshop ended. We broke for lunch. At lunch, we discussed what we did in our workshops. Once lunch ended, we went to our second workshop.
For my second workshop, I attended Fiction. During this workshop, we discussed all the elements needed to write a story. We again discussed the struggle to have your work published. Towards the end of the workshop, we had the opportunity to work on our own story.
I enjoyed this workshop too. The person who gave the workshop was Sarah Littman. I had the opportunity to speak with her. She said she has done many odd end jobs, but she always wanted to be an author. She recommended some good authors to me too.
Once the workshop concluded, we went back to the main room and had an open microphone. An open microphone gives people the opportunity to share the pieces that they have been working on throughout the day. I did not want to partake though. I really do not like reading my own work aloud.
At 2:00, the day concluded. Everyone thanked the instructors for their time and instruction. Then I went home.
I really enjoyed my day at Fairfield University for the Writers Day. I learned a lot about writing in different styles and genres. I received recommendations for some new books. I gained some tips and tricks to use when you have writer’s block. In all, I really enjoyed my day at Fairfield Universitmy!