It used to puzzle me why English classes were structured the way they were. It seemed that we were simply re-taught the same basic grammar rules every year. My opinion of English class has greatly improved over the last several months. I’d like to say it was because I learned to have a better attitude, but in reality it was because of who I have as a teacher this year.
My English teacher this year is a published author. She is not on The New York Times Best Sellers list (although she probably should be), but she is unavoidably passionate about writing. In my time in her class, I’ve learned some lessons that have put me on a path to becoming a better writer. I’ve shared them below for your amusement and/or benefit (and also because I needed something to write about).
1. My writing isn’t as good as I thought
They say that the average person considers themselves to be above average. In the span of one semester, I was exposed to literature in a way I never had been before. I was taught to appreciate unique word choices as well as abstract literary devices. For the first time, I began to admire literary genius, and to understand why some works remain classics throughout the ages. Along the way, I began to reflect on my own writing (especially pieces I’ve written for this blog). In doing so, I realized how lackluster it has been. For nonfiction pieces, that’s not a deal-breaker. However, when it comes to things like my little novella from two years ago (a work which I had never considered to be Pulitzer material in the first place), I can only look back and cringe.
2. Great writing is the product of great revision
There is hope for burgeoning authors like me. Along with my revelation that my writing is often bland came a glimpse of hope. In relation to The Great Gatsby, we discussed revision (and its distinctness from editing).
In the past, I had proofread my work much more than I revised it. In general, if something had a logical flow of thought I was content with it. What I learned from English class, however, is that great writing is often the result of painstaking revision. The best works rarely spring up as beautiful flowers. Instead, they are like blocks of marble, waiting for a sculptor to meticulously chisel every curve and intricacy. In writing, as in much of life, hard work can overcome the absence of natural talent.
3. Grammar is still boring
Some things never change. Grammar will, I think, always remain as dull as watching paint dry. You may change the color of the paint (although somehow I imagine grammar can never deviate too far from beige). You may change the position in which you watch it dry. Grammar is grammar.
However, even watching paint dry can be fun in good company. I am blessed to have a phenomenal English teacher and a class full of people who are a joy to be around. On my journey to grow as a writer (or, perhaps more importantly, as a reviser), I will always look back on this year with gratitude and nostalgia (not for grammar though).
P.S. I’m stuck at home mastering the art of social distancing without socially isolating (as I’m sure many of you are as well). I can’t make any promises, but my hope is to use some of this extra time to write more for this blog. Whether that is a threat or something to look forward is up to you.
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