student introductions--fiction writing

"My own self-doubt and need for perfection will eventually make writing impossible, so I hope to begin to fix that issue in this course."

Oh, student. What if I told you that this course was only the beginning of your self-doubt? That the more you are able to talk about the strengths and flaws of writing, the more fuel you will have for your perfectionism?

What if I, your teacher, was somehow able to prevent that? What if I could help you both see your writing for what it is, and have the courage to keep on doing it? Sometimes all it takes is one person who sees your flaws but also believes in your abilities. (What if I told you that any person that has the power to give you courage also has the power to deflate you?)