I have re-read the blogposts about my article about creative writing courses, and continue to be bewildered at the assumption that I'm arrogant, rather than just excited to be finally writing, and grateful to have the chance. I know that some of the more conciliatory sections were cut out of the original article - about how brilliant some of my fellow students were, and how I don't know if I'm any good, I'm just enjoying doing it - but even so, it all seems a bit ad hominem. one woman in particular attacked me for mentioning that I snatch moments away from my son to scribble down ideas, and I wonder, if I were a man, would that even be an issue? so it's a bit sad that quite a few people now think I'm an arrogant bitch who says "I'm a writer and you're not", rather than getting my point: that writing is something that should come from the person, not from some imposed order. and also sad that few of them seemed to understand the slightly ironic and devils-advocate tone I wanted to hit. which is no doubt my fault.

and there was one very long analysis of whether high-school carpentry and by-the-numbers writing courses could be compared in metaphorical form. I'd say it made me giggle, but that could be seeen as scathing, so I won't.

meanwhile, contrary to my public declarations of being a driven writer, I am faffing about online. funny how with a deadline, I get on with non-essential things (such as work), but without one I find other things to do.