Becoming a Better Writer (and Human)
No Similes Were Harmed in the Making of This Blog.
I recently enrolled in an advanced creative writing course offered through the City of Scottsdale. Despite having completed the initial course, as well as having written many articles, blogs and a book, I was still hesitant to join an existing group of published writers.
Prior to the first class we were asked to submit a 4–5-page sample of our writing, which would be critiqued by the group. No concern there. (Ha)
I was incredibly nervous as they began discussing my submission. But to a person, they said it was lovely, that I have a beautiful, descriptive writing style that is relatable and well written. Needless to say, I left the room grinning.
Fast forward to the next class, and their chance to review my second submission. And, much to my surprise, while there were some positive comments, they basically shredded it. “Too many metaphors!” “Too many similes!” and my favorite, “You may want to dumb down your writing.” Say whaat? Just the week before you loved me, and now I feel like a discarded old shoe. (Authors note: Simile)
But after the initial blow to my ego, I recovered. And when I went home and read their comments, I could see that in most cases I agreed with them, that they brought out some points I never would have thought of, that there was, in fact, a pony in there somewhere. (Authors note: Metaphor, but I like it anyway)
This represented growth for me. In the past, I was more brittle; that when constructive criticism was offered (asked for or not) I would get red in the face, embarrassed, ready to lash out. My ego, while still there, doesn’t run the entire show these days. I’m able to react more often from a place of gratitude and humility, that I don’t have all the answers and am happy to have learned something from the feedback. This is the path of continuous learning.
Maybe this is one of the benefits of age, more wisdom, less testosterone. But I suspect it’s mostly a feeling of being comfortable in my own skin, being ok with not being perfect, and taking my life as it unfolds one day at a time.
I’d end this blog with a metaphor or simile, but you know…I’ve used two of them already, and three more that I didn’t call out. Find them if you dare.
Love you all
About Paul
If you've navigated the complexities of love, loss, or life's unpredictable twists and turns, this blog is for you. Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022 and lost his beloved Jody in 2024, is also a father, new grandfather and a speaker/writer. Paul writes to make sense of the world around him, sharing his personal journey through grief, Parkinson’s, and life's challenges. With a mix of lightheartedness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering authenticity, Paul offers a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the human experience. His writing is often described as warm, genuine and deeply moving.
In the current iteration of
Creative Writing, Paul is the fresh breeze—like those gusts from Boston harbor on Labor Day that augur the arrival of fall.
thank you Brian! Much better simile than I could create and much better than being a sircco – a hot and dusty wind from the desert. Thanks for welcoming me into the group.