Online Writing Classes, Do's and Don'ts

Yes, I watched THE BABY BORROWERS last night. Or at least, I alternated between that and SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. Since I'd gotten drenched in a driving, late afternoon rainstorm on my way home from work yesterday, I was in no mood for anything more than vegetating in front of the TV. I found that the teen show didn't really grab my attention despite being further intrigued by the narrator's opening statement that there were "no prizes and no eliminations". But by the end, it was clear that these teens were in for more than they bargained and that they might learn a lot but some of their relationships might not survive the experiment.

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Before that little foray into the world of reality TV, we were talking about online writing classes.

I don't know that anyone has ever published etiquette or guidelines for behavior related to taking online classes but I thought someone might find my observations and experiences helpful. So here's my take on this:

First, the Don'ts:
Don't take a class if you don't have time for it.
Sure, you can get and print out the lessons but why not wait for a later time when you'll be fully engaged? You and your fellow partiicipants will gain more from your full involvement. And, if there is limited class size, you won't be taking up space that could be used by someone who's ready to learn.

Don't take a class and then share all the handouts with all of your writing buddies and critique partners.
Yes, the material was great and you just know all your writer friends will think so too. Encourage them to take the class. What did it cost you, 20 bucks? Support the instructor and class sponsor by encouraging others to enroll.

Don't be afraid to participate.
You may find yourself in the company of other published writers, or at least a whole lot of folks who seem to know a lot more about this writing thing than you do. Don't allow yourself to be intimidated! Sit at your desk, in your most comfy pjs, and jump right in! Ask questions, engage in discussions, and lend your support of the other class members, many of whom feel just like you.

Don't take a class and assume you are now an expert on the subject.
This one can be difficult, especially if the material really resonated with you. Perhaps you really do have a deeper understanding of the subject mattter. Put it to work in your writing so that you can truly master it.

Don't allow the class to overwhelm with what you don't know.
Some of the classes are short, maybe only a week or two. At the end, you may feel no more enlightened than when you started. Keep studying until you hit the nugget of truth that helps you to get it.

Don't assume what you just learned is the only way to approach the subject matter.
Writing is like baking a cake. There are many recipes, all of which result in delicious eating. If something doesn't resonate with you, don't bad mouth it. Realize you still got something out of the class. You learned what doesn't work for you.

Don't take the class as an opportunity to posit your own theory on the subject matter.
This is the instructor's class, not yours. Input is certainly welcomed but don't take up the instructor's time nor that of your classmates, challenging every point the instructor makes. If you're not truly interested in learning the subject matter as it's being taught, or quickly discover that the class is not for you, simply bow out. Don't try to hijack the course and change it into what you need it to be.

Now the Do's...

• DO seek class recommendations.
  
• DO research the class and instructor before signing up.
  
• DO register before the deadline.
  
• DO devote reasonable time to the workshop.
  
• DO complete the assignments.
  
• DO engage in class discussions.
  
• DO ask questions.
  
• DO keep up with the pace of the class so your questions are timely.
• DO network with other class participants.
  
• DO use digest to manage the message volume.
  
• DO print out or download the lessons and handouts.
  
• DO soak up as much information as you can, keeping what will be helpful to you, and graciously discarding the rest.

Most of all, keep writing!

One last point. I find the majority of online classes are offered between January and September, with July being an "off" month due to the RWA convention. Plan accordingly.

Peace & Blessings,
PatriciaW
Stay focused. Move Forward. Believe.