Frog Wisdom

Motivation and the Free Lunch

By Dorothy Seehausen

’ve seriously been at this writing thing for about ten years now. About six months ago I
found myself really stuck, finding it hard to even figure out why. So, I asked myself what have I
done in my life where I was highly motivated? And the answer was going to school.

I am what we call a Professional Student, having acquired a bachelor and two master degrees, ESL
Certification, and a bunch of professional development certifications.

So I did a deep dive on Google and discovered the free Gale writing classes offered by
the Brown County Library. I just finished the first two, “Mystery Writing” and “How To Write
Fiction like a Pro.” For two short stories, I have complete character definitions, and a three act
long form outline with completed scene notations for 3 benchmarks in each of the three acts.

The learning platform is not Zoom but the instructor does appear in a short video before each
lesson and interaction happens in the discussion room, where we post our assignments and get
instructor feedback. Best part is classes are free and the 6 week lessons are college equivalent,
with a certificate available should one choose to take the final exam. It’s like a different kind of
writing buddy. What’s missing is live interaction. But that’s a different conversation.
I write every day now.

The Frog likes progress.