I am currently participating in Melissa Fraterrigo's courses, and they are, for lack of a better word, awesome. The first course, The Write Start, helped me to realize that I can write if I want to, regardless of what my conditioned thoughts tell me. In this course, I was encouraged to just sit down and write, which proved to be very therapeutic. Without the worry of getting it "right" the first time or conforming to some stuffy rubric, I am able to embrace the creativity that every human being is given the potential for at birth.
Now I am enrolled in Melissa's Writing Jump Start class, which is helping to guide me along in my current writing project. This class goes more deeply into literary concepts and different styles of writing, while giving students a peek at some excellent examples of contemporary literature. As an avid reader, I am excited to delve into these newly discovered books. Being introduced to writing strategies used by experienced authors has allowed me to look at my writing in a different light.
One of the things I love most about her classes is that I am able to learn and absorb in a supportive environment. I'm not bound up with anxiety due to worrying about saying the wrong thing and losing participation points or feeling embarrassed. In college, many professors could be cutting and dismissive if their students didn't "get it" the first time. This is not the case in Melissa's class. I feel that there is room to explore without the fear of speaking up, which, for me, has proven very conducive to learning. There is much to be learned from mistakes, and I'm not afraid to make them in her class.
Melissa's courses give aspiring writers in our community the opportunity to revisit what, for some, might be a long lost passion. It is possible to participate in her courses while working and living daily life. Essentially, her course has helped me to weave my love for writing into a busy life that seldom slows down. I have learned that there is time for writing as long as I make the time, and that the more I do it, the more I love it! She fosters a supportive and encouraging environment for her students, and clearly loves what she does! I appreciate her willingness to share it with others, and can honestly say that her class is changing my life, as well as my attitude about writing. read more
