So you got a taste of writing and liking it. It helped you to maintain your well being. But then you need to explain yourself more than the rest of the classmates. And you needed to do that again for the next course. And the next workshop. And you were now on the verge of giving up with writing.

This blog post would help you to make a more informed decision. You are not alone in feeling this way.

What you need to know before taking writing courses or workshops:

1. Know that the writing crafts being taught are not ‘the right way’.

It is one way. Which means there are other ways too to follow.

2. Look for classes and workshops described with: POC.

There will be more chance that these classes are more relevant to you. There is a promise of diversity in those classes and workshops.

Let’s say you have signed up to writing classes and workshops. You need to think about how you will introduce yourself on the community. Answering these questions will help:

1. Which of your identity you want to share?

We have many identities. For example, I am a parent, I am a mother, I am from this tribe or that, I am an Indonesia, I am an Asian American, I am an immigrant, I am an Indonesian American, I am a new writer, I am a poet, I am a bored person, etc.

It matters. Probably being an Asian American is specific enough for you for that specific community. I am here to remind you that you have a choice, and it matters.

2. How do you want to show up?

You need to have a sense of what is expected of you and decide what you are going to do about that. It is like knowing where not to go, and then decide whether you will go there or not.

3. How much compassion you are willing to allocate for this course or workshop?

You will need to explain yourself, over and over again. Set yourself a limit so you won’t get bitter by the end of this course or workshop.

4. Decide if you want to maintain contact with the people in the class or workshop.

If you do, Have a dedicated notebook to write down their name, descriptions (so you will remember them much later), and their e mail adress. E mail adress are a very common way to keep in touch.

Now we have come to the end of this post. I hope that at this point, you have more clarity on how to make space for yourself if you feel you need it. Or you might not. It is also possible you still feel alone and helpless. At least your are more informed. What would you add to this lists? I would also like to hear your experiences in making space for yourself in writing courses and workshops.