Why use a grade?

Well, first, I’m a teacher and this is the evaluation system I know. As I became serious about writing fiction, I realized I needed to evaluate where I am, at this moment, as a fiction writer.

During the Olympics I read an article about athletic training. The article, written by Linda J. Buch, was about the mental game Olympians use and how their techniques can improve personal sport skills. It was short and covered the same basic “improvement” information I’ve read about for years. Perhaps its seeds were falling, for the first time, on fertile soil. I was wondering how to improve skills.

I’ve always been fascinated with Tiger Woods. This is odd because I don’t care about sports and definitely don’t know or care about golf. But there is something so accessible about Tiger Woods. Maybe it’s because he’s Ordinary Every Kid, made extraordinary. I read about how he improves his game, and I wonder if his techniques could apply to me. But then I think, “What am I thinking? I don’t play golf. This could never apply to me.”

The suggestions in Buch’s article were similar to techniques used by Tiger Woods to improve his game. “First, without judgment or excuses, take a personal and honest assessment of where you are today.”

This was tough. I’ve always thought I was a good writer, but exactly how good, and good in what ways? What could be improved? What strengths do I have and how can I build on them?

I came up with a list of qualities of fiction writing. Then I graded myself. Then I started this blog to share with the Universe my process of improvement.

Maybe, someday, Tiger will stop by here. :)