Writer's Workshop and Short Story

On a whim, I signed up for a writing workshop last Friday led by Linda Jaivin, an Australian writer about to publish her eighth book.  Linda is most well known for her erotic novel, Eat Me, that took the literary world by storm when it first came out in 1995.  I'd never read any of her books, but the workshop seemed like a good way to meet people and get inspired to write at the same time, so off I went.

Upon meeting Linda, I knew the workshop would be fun; she has a larger than life personality that filled the room.  While I suspect she held back so as not to offend members of the group, she still managed to "demystify writing" while keeping up her energy and good humor.  I should mention that Linda first visited Beijing in 1980, is fluent in Mandarin and loves the Chinese culture.  Her books traverse erotica, fiction, history, biography and even science fiction. Author Linda Jaivin led the workshop with a good deal of stagecraft. The portraits of previous visiting authors helped establish the mood for the workshop at the Bookworm.

Sunlight and hot beverages kept the chill of a blustery day at bay. The workshop was held at the Bookworm, a local bookstore, library, cafe and bar.  In 2008, the Bookworm won the award for best place to get a date in Beijing and I don't doubt that it is.  There were 13 women in the workshop and the only other guy was Ton, a Dutchman over 50.  The odds were in my favor.   Our group had quite the background including an Australian photographer named Catherine Croll and Anna Sophie Loewenberg, the star and creator of Sexy Beijing.  I hope to get them both addicted to AnD soon. The profile of Sexy Beijing star, Anna Sophie Lowenberg. And her laptop accessories.

I won't bore you with my notes, but we played the Exquisite Corpse (writing game where each person adds a line to the previous person's story), did some sensual writing (i.e. using the senses), character exercises, wrote a love letter, ate a fantastic lunch and wrote a short story - 6 words short.  Linda's mantra, set some time to write and do it.  Even if it is crap, write it down.  You can always edit later.  And write what you know and love, even if you must learn the subject.  There was more, of course, but that's enough. 

So here's my short story from the workshop:

Death knocked.

Jane answered.

Wrong house.

If you would like to know more about Linda Jaivin, click her name.  Oh, the attendees formed a writing group, so hopefully my writing will improv.