Reflection #4

In the essay “ Embarking together on Solitary Journeys” by Hilma Wolitzer, many of important aspects that she brings up are workshops are essential for a writer because it can benefit pieces in many ways. Often times when many workshop, either it is not taken seriously or plainly good advice isn’t given that could help the writer. Even though we are our biggest critics at most times it is still eventful to have others give advice on your work so that your story can be understood by everyone. Many people when coming to workshops, are often scared that their story would be misunderstood, and it can change the message  of their story, but work shopping can help the writer reach out to a larger audience.

Often times when it is time to workshop in school, I don’t take it seriously because I know that someone else would read over it, so I don’t look over my work myself. I think it is important to look over your work, but also to effectively listen when others are telling you their opinion in order, to get your piece to the full potential. The author is a great example of how, it we seek to get help then our finish products can be better than what we had originally wanted it to be. When she entered the class and saw how people responded to her piece, she knew by the end that it wasn’t down right horrible but she knew the improvements that she needed to make.

In the essay, the author states “Writing fiction  is a solitary occupation but not really a lonely one.” (page 263). This is true because many writers are often caught up into their pieces that they don’t want to ask for help, but what many people forget is that if you do ask for help, your writing can come out better than before. The author also states “ that the workshop isn’t group therapy; that character prevails in fiction just as it does in life; that character prevails in fiction just as it does in life.” (page 267). After reading this essay I learned that it is not always about thinking that your piece is the best as you have written it, but that there is also room for improvement through your friends and peers.