Nashua Writing Classes Starting at 213 Main St. Dec. 1

11/25/14
G. Dorion

Have a book but it’s stalled somewhere in your computer or, possibly worse, in myriad pages of notes, on paper bags or napkins. I once wrote what I thought was a great poem in Korea on napkins (had no paper) and then lost it. It proved to be irreplaceable. Anyway, need to give your creation that final push into the public spotlight but are not sure of the next step or even if you want to make it happen? Feeling uncertain about self promotion? You’re not alone. Lots of writers and wannabees are in the same boat.

Well, the truth is that publishing starts as soon as another human reads your work. Criticism is what should follow and is an essential part of the process.

A young woman came into my shop recently, bought two of my books even though one was only a proof - she was persistent so I sold it - but would not share much information about what she was writing. Writers are hyper-sensitive by nature and even extremely private. Not all of them like to share their work. However, a major goal of writing, it seems to me, ( I have heard arguments to the contrary) is to communicate your ideas to other human beings so they may benefit from your experiences, thoughts and feelings. Making money from your writing also plays a role.

My point: there’s no logic in letting your work languish in your computer or in a desk drawer or in a dusty old cardboard box. Bring it to a creative writing group and give it a test run. By doing this the book as well as the writer can only benefit.

Sometimes criticism is not an easy thing to undergo and many people consider it to be an unwanted, painful process. Yet, accurate criticism given by a person having a good intent is essential in art. I once took a course at Hampshire College and, during one session, I was asked by the professor what I thought about this other student’s work. Well, the truth is I hated it and had nothing “good” to say about it so I refused to say anything even after the professor tried various approaches. None worked. I was too stubborn and probably lacking in the criticism skills department. I was afraid of hurting the feelings of the writer and probably of looking like an insensitive ass.

What then does it mean to criticize? Well, in Manhattan I used to live with a woman who was an authority on criticism and who was on the faculty of the Aesthetic Realism foundation, established by Eli Siegel - one of the great American poets, philosophers and critics. She taught me what it meant to give genuine criticism and how it always should be given with the intention of helping another person.

In his treatise entitled, “Art As Criticism,” Mr. Siegel (1902-78) stated, “Art is criticism and devotion. Criticism, however, is an accurate interaction of rejection and acceptance. It has been given to man that he be able to like and dislike reality; be for it and against it; indeed, to be a man means that you are always in the midst of antagonism and welcome. The devotion that is art arises from a true relation of antagonism and welcome, not from a superficial, incomplete welcoming. Only he who has found the universe tough, grudging, or puzzling; or God not so bland, granting, placid, can come to true devotion. Art is the criticism which is also love.”

Well, I hope to have pleasant discussions of our work (my own included) and to have it criticized by students/writers who genuinely want to help improve the writings of others. Hopefully, a number of books can be moved along the path toward publication. I would ultimately like to be able to stock a small library of books for sale in my shop written by local writers. But even if a book is not your ultimate goal - maybe you just want to improve your writing - give it a try.

So please come by the shop and introduce yourself. We’re here 10-6 PM every day (except Sundays, 11-2 only) when you can register for classes or just get more information. You can also visit the store’s website ( http://selz.co/1FgX4Ri ) to register. One of the nice things is that all classes are just $10 and include expert instruction, refreshments, and free parking in the rear of the building.

A little about me: I was an English/writing teacher in dozens of Manhattan High Schools from 2000-2013 and a long time news reporter in Metropolitan Boston (had thousands of articles published in 40+ newspapers). I currently operate a retail store and teach writing classes (tutoring also available) at 213 Main Street, Nashua. I have authored several books. After quitting news reporting, I bought the Bow Street Candle & Mug and opened Southwest Passage Gallery in Portsmouth, N.H., in 1990, which I maintained until 2000 when I closed the stores and relocated to Manhattan. There I began teaching in elementary schools, I received my Masters of Science in Literacy in 2003 at Touro College in Manhattan, wrote several novels and children’s books, and proceeded to continue to teach English Language Arts, ESL, Journalism and Social Studies - mostly at the high school level. I retired from the NYC Department of Education in 2013 and, along with my wife, opened the Silverlight Candle and Gift Shoppe in November, 2013. The store just had its first anniversary and I am now opening the rear part of the shop as a classroom for the teaching of writing. In addition to a masters in teaching, I earned BA degrees in English and Journalism and an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts.

All levels of writers are welcome. The classes schedule is as follows:
Monday: 6 PM - Creative Writing; 7PM - Novel Writing (bring laptops and anything you are working on)
Tuesday: 6 PM - Creative Writing; 7PM - Short Story Writing
Wednesday: 6 PM - Creative Writing; 7 PM - Self-publishing
Thursday: 6 PM - Novel/Short Story Writing; 7 PM - Self-Publishing
Friday: 6 PM - Essay Writing; 7 PM - Essay Writing
Saturday: 6 PM - Essay Writing; 7 PM - Essay Writing

Tutoring: Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Tutoring rates:
Individual: $35/hour
Group: $20 each/Hour
See Gary Dorion’s tutoring profile/credentials at: http://www.wyzant.com/Tutors/NH/Nashua/7935937/?z=03060&d=20 but best rates are obtained at Silverlight. ($55/hr. via Wyzant)