Further education

I’m all for this and take classes all the time.  I have no desire to go to college.  I don’t think it’s worth it cost wise, plus you’re never guaranteed a job after you get out with a degree.  But I do believe in educating yourself beyond high school, if something comes along that you’re interested in and that isn’t going to leave you in debt afterwards.

I’m very interested in writing and other artistic pursuits and always have been.  I wonder why I haven’t taken any art classes because that was my favorite class in school.  But I have taken classes on writing, as well belonging to a writer’s group while living in California.  That was extremely helpful because we all critiqued each other’s work.  I do miss that here and tried to get a group started, along with a friend, but that didn’t work out as not enough people here have any interest in writing.

Since then I’ve been on my own.  I’ll do almost anything in the interests of my writing, so I always jump on things that will help me to keep it realistic.  Firsthand experience is invaluable and always way better than reading about it in a book, although I so read a lot.

I took a computer class too because I use my computer daily to write, edit, or rewrite.  I needed to understand Word and Photoshop. 

Fencing class

I once took a fencing class because I was writing a fantasy novel and wanted to know what it was like to hold a sword and defend yourself against your opponent.  Of course, we didn’t use broad swords like they used in medieval times, but I think it still gave me the experience of being attacked that I could use in my writing.

From Police Dept Facebook page

Right now I’m involved in a class at the local police department.  I want to learn a lot more about the protocol used by the police.  Its research for the mystery series I’m writing.  So far the class has been amazing and more than I could have asked for.  I’m so glad I signed up for it and would do it again if the opportunity presented itself.  I don’t know how much information I’ll use in my books, but I certainly understand the workings of the police department better.

I’m sure this won’t be the last of my further education.  Knowledge is power.  I always like to learn things I didn’t know.  If you have the opportunity to take classes in the community where you live, I highly recommend that you do.