A writing breakthrough.

What I wore: Shoes, Macy's. Skirt & Shirt, Forever 21. Belt, A&F. Headband, DIY. 

For my first monthly assignment in my creative writing MFA program, 

my mentor read the entirety of my first novel manuscript.

I was a little nervous sending it off to her, but I did it without much thought.

And for 30 days, I forgot about it. My words were in her hands and they weren't on my mind.

But last week, as I approached the date when I knew I would receive her feedback,

 I began to get anxious. I like to think that I've got tough skin, but in truth, I'm pretty sensitive. 

Her letter appeared in my email inbox just before I went to bed one night.

I hesitated before opening it. It was terrifying moment. If her words were too harsh,

I knew that some part of me was going to take it personally, no matter how hard I tried to see it as purely professional. If she was too soft, I knew I wouldn't get from this semester the things I needed to achieve: the ability to be critical of my own work in order to make it better. 

I considered waiting until morning to open her email, 

but of course there was no way that was happening. 

I clicked the button and I held my breath as I read through several pages.

It was perfect.

She reflected back to me what my writing was saying to her, 

and she posed questions about my intentions for the story. 

I was elated to see that my words were speaking the message I wanted,

and excited that she was beginning to shine a light on the shadowy areas of my writing,

the portions where I knew improvement was needed but where I was unsure how to start.

This is the part I've been most craving and most hoping for out of an MFA program.
I've just barely begun, and already I can feel myself in the middle of a breakthrough.