Chapter 1: A Courageous Beginning

Embarking on my first day of the Intro to Fiction course required a significant amount of bravery. As the only non-matriculated student, I found myself older than all my peers, juggling responsibilities as a parent of two and driving a minivan. Curiously, a few unplanned chapters of a work-in-progress had compelled me to enroll in this class. My prior experiences with writing had been limited, and I was unsure about the nature of these chapters—were they fragments of a novel, short stories, or simply incoherent musings? I needed direction and clarity, prompting a friend to recommend a course at The New School.

Navigating the Holland Tunnel in my minivan, I prepared myself mentally. I resolved to remain inconspicuous, sitting at the back of the classroom, absorbing knowledge without drawing attention to myself.

When the professor entered, dressed in a tweed blazer adorned with suede elbow patches and oversized glasses, I learned his name was Sidney Offit. Instantly, I felt younger in his presence, as he was over twice my age. He began the lecture by casually mentioning a dinner he had shared with his close friend, the renowned author Kurt Vonnegut.

“Oh, Kurt Vonnegut?” I interjected. “I once shared a bed with him.”

Laughter erupted in the room, and a fellow student exclaimed, “That tops dinner, hands down!” All eyes turned toward me, and I was compelled to elaborate on my story, completely abandoning my plan to remain low-key.

Prof. Offit continued, announcing that halfway through the semester, he would dedicate class time to workshopping student submissions. Any student with a work-in-progress could submit a chapter for feedback. If he deemed it promising, it would be discussed in the following class.

Thus began my personal struggle.

As the semester approached its midpoint, I nervously emailed Prof. Offit the first chapter of my WIP, buoyed by the support of my children. For an entire week, I was gripped by anxiety. To my surprise, during the next lecture, not a single submission was mentioned by the professor. Perhaps he sought to spare the writers from embarrassment.

While this was disheartening—especially for my children—nothing could prepare me for the next four weeks. My five chapters went unaddressed, leaving me feeling not only disheartened but also foolish for believing my work had potential. Then, something unexpected occurred.

On the day before Thanksgiving, we finally workshopped two stories, neither of which was mine. Yet, instead of feeling disheartened, I was struck by awe as I listened to my talented classmates read their work. Their writing was exquisite, raw, and thought-provoking. They were merely kids, yet their talent was undeniable.

Driving home that day, I felt an unfamiliar sense of joy and motivation. I resolved to abandon my previous drafts and start anew. I was confident that I could learn to write as well as they did. This class was my opportunity to grow as a writer, and I was ready to embrace the challenge.

At home, while unpacking groceries for Thanksgiving, I listened to my voicemails. A familiar voice startled me. It was Sidney Offit.

“Is this Ms. Natiello’s number? This is Sidney Offit, your teacher from The New School. I just finished reading your five chapters. I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you. They are captivating, and I look forward to workshopping them for the remainder of the semester. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.”

Captivating?! I couldn’t have asked for a better Thanksgiving gift!

Submitting one's writing for feedback is a profound test of resilience. It subjects a writer to a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from critical to constructive feedback. The semester flew by, and soon we were discussing my final chapter. Afterward, Prof. Offit kindly offered to meet with me to discuss the next steps for my book.

However, the night before our meeting, a citywide transit strike was announced, followed by a snowstorm the next morning.

I wrestled with the decision to brave the elements to meet him. I could take a train to New York and then walk to West 12th Street, but I wondered how Prof. Offit would manage to get to class. The class was still on, but would he make the effort? If you've ever attempted to hail a cab in New York during inclement weather, you’d understand the difficulty—especially for someone nearing 80.

As the elevator doors opened on the fourth floor, I encountered Prof. Offit just as he emerged from the stairwell. He had trudged through the snow from his Upper East Side home and opted for the stairs rather than the elevator.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” we exclaimed in unison. “I didn’t want to let you down,” he replied.

I sought his recommendation for the next semester, but he looked me squarely in the eye. “Don’t take another class. You have something far more significant to accomplish—finish your book.” I was hesitant, having learned so much from his course, but he cautioned me against risking a teacher who might not comprehend or appreciate my vision. “Abandoning this project is not an option,” he insisted.

He recounted a story about a gifted relative who had studied under someone who didn’t appreciate her work, leading her to abandon writing altogether.

It took me years to fully grasp the significance of his advice. I've seen talented writers give up after receiving harsh critiques. Creatives are often sensitive souls. Similar reasoning applies to reading negative reviews of one’s work. Not every reader will resonate with your writing, and it’s crucial not to let that deter you. Expect criticism, but let the positive feedback inspire you instead.

Professor Offit imparted another invaluable lesson: a teacher’s primary role is to uplift. Regardless of a student’s skill level, genuine encouragement can work wonders. It instills a belief that they can achieve greatness and motivates them to continually strive for improvement.

This Thanksgiving, I reflect on Sidney Offit’s impact on my life and express my gratitude for his encouragement, the kind words he wrote for my debut book, and the foresight he shared with me.

Chapter 2: Inspiration from Great Minds

In the realm of creativity, inspiration often comes from unexpected sources. One such source is the insightful and motivational Randy Pausch, who delivered his unforgettable "Last Lecture," focusing on achieving childhood dreams. His words resonate with many aspiring writers and creators, pushing them to pursue their passions relentlessly.

In addition, seeking advice from seasoned professionals can provide invaluable insights. In the video "Ask a Professor Anything III," George Whitesides and Zhenan Bao share their thoughts on research values, guiding principles, and the importance of passion in one's work. Their experiences serve as a beacon for those navigating their own creative paths.