Monday, April 4, 2016
Good Day LA!
Wrapping up a wonderful, whirlwind trip to LA that I mentioned in my last post. Had the chance to attend an awesome writing conference, and while there learned that my first published piece of short fiction was hitting the stands. It’s a quirky story called “Happy Hour,” and I want to thank the wonderful people at The Opiate for including me in their publication! I felt like I could legitimately call myself a writer when someone asked what I did. I had the opportunity to hear some incredible authors read from their work. I sat behind Joyce Carol Oates at a panel discussion. I felt at home.
I’m finishing my first term of my MFA program, and time has flown. I had an amazing mentor this term––Rachel Harper. Her novel “This Side of Providence” is going to be big, and I had the chance to work with her! I owe her a lot. I feel like my writing has matured under her tutelage. I feel like the decision to return to school, and attend Spalding was a sage decision, and a game changer.
As for LA, aside from the driving, it was sensational. I felt like I did when I first moved here in ’93––everything was shiny and new. So, my plan is to return when I’m done with school (if not sooner). Sooner would require some major life events to happen, but I’m open to it. I had the chance to see a friend from my early LA days, who is a super writer (Karen Rizzo of “Famous Baby” fame), and it was great getting together. She inspires me, and she’s just an all-around awesome person!
I just have one word for everyone––Joy!