Wednesday, August 1, 2012

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. 

16 comments:

  1. That is so wonderful, I am beyond happy for you!

    Happy day!
    Kara
    ShawnKaraAndHeidi.blogspot.com

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  2. That is excellent. I am in a writing rut, so to speak, right now, but you are inspiring me to get back to my writing!

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  3. That's so awesome, I know how much it means when someone really understands what you were intending to get across in your writing! Yay!

    Katherine :)
    Laughingkatherine.blogspot.com

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  4. Oh, I love this! So glad the words were what you needed AND wanted :)

    Can't wait to see your name on the NY Times bestsellers list in the future.

    It will happen.

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  5. that is awesome! so happy for you!

    and lovely outfit too!

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  6. Glad you got some awesome feedback!

    Cute outfit too :)

    http://violetlilacplum.blogspot.com

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  7. Congratulations! That's always a great feeling.

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  8. yoshi and dobby can now take a big sigh of relief... and i can scream congratulations!!!!

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  9. As tough as criticism may be, there's nothing like receiving truly constructive criticism that helps you see your writing in a different way. And on another note, you pull off the headband look like nobody's business! Super cute!

    http://dreamingenfrancais.blogspot.com/

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  10. fantastic! I find the power (and fear of) feedback amazing. I HATE having people look over my work. truly hate it. something that I clearly need to get over

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  11. Yay! I just got my feedback last night (but only on a short story), and I felt the same way. Very, very insightful.

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  12. That's a great feeling - when you feel like you're being successful in your growth! :) Love your outfit, too!

    www.highheelstosneakers.com

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  13. Wow that is amazing. It is so good that your program is working out so well for you. Congrats!
    xo Emilie @ Hungry Delights

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  14. I'm sure you say this at some point in your blog, but I'm new. If you've already answered this a million and one times, I apologize, but what creative writing program are you going through. I'd love a recommendation for a reference point =]

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  15. congrats xxx
    love this outfit btw too
    really liking your blog,I followed you
    check out my new blog post
    http://www.londongirlchronicles.com/2012/08/rings-and-things.html
    xo

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This is the part where you tell the pups how cute they are.
...but seriously, thank you so much for stopping by and for your wonderful comment! I read them all and try to respond as often as I can. We hope you visit again soon :)