January 2013 WPF residency

I can’t even count anymore how many times I’ve been on a plane. Some people will spend their entire life never knowing the thrill and turbulence of soaring the sky in a pressurized metal tube. A wise man reminded me recently to just enjoy the experience of flying. It’s something we, as the human race, have only be doing for a short amount of time. We take for granted the simple things we have in life and should spend more time not only reflecting upon them but thanking whatever powers you believe in for your experiences, safety, and security. Yes, I’m a bit reflective. Not so much because it is a new year so much as I’m already missing my family. I’m going to be missing some important events for my family. But I knew that pursuing my passion doesn’t come without sacrifice.

This will be my third residency of six in the Seton Hill Writing Popular Fiction program. One year ago, I was on my way to the first residency and unable to fully anticipate what the rest of the week would bring. Now, I’m beginning to feel like one of the old timers and excited to feed off the excitement of my classmates and especially from those just starting.
Seton Hill is such a beautiful campus. It’s small compared to my undergrad but it has such a wonderful feeling. I know a lot of that is because of how excited I am about this program. I had really struggled with my undergrad because it felt like more of a chore or something large and ominous in the way of rising above minimum wage and a better pay grade. And in many ways, that is what an undergraduate degree is for. Just the necessary stepping stone to bigger and brighter prospects.


I’d like to blog about my trip because it’s a form of exercising my writing muscles and because I’ve never been good with keeping a journal. I know there are few that really read this (cyberstalker included) but maybe some day I will look back on past posts and remember something. I doubt that my posts will inspire others. I don’t blog often or deep enough for that. But I may be able to re-inspire myself on those days when I’m doubting myself.

I had someone accuse me recently of being a “wannabe author.” What does that even mean? And how are they defining author? I know I don’t need to take them seriously because they were just trying to hurt and defame me. I’ve honestly tried to figure out what a “wannabe author” really is. And the best I can come up with is something who dreams of writing but never, ever, takes the time to sit down to write. With modern copyright laws, even having a blog to write down your experiences is a form of publishing. But even if you don’t put your words out there for the world to see, does that make you any less of an author? No, it doesn’t. Are you still thinking about writing? Do you take the time to put down your thoughts and dreams into written form? Then yes, you are an author! Of course, this guy was probably trying to insult by meaning “published author.” Well, good thing I’ve had a published novel for a few years now. Oh, and like I said, having a blog with your own original content is being published and you hold the copyright. Oh, maybe he meant “Wannabe New York Times Bestselling author.” And how is that an insult? That is exactly what I am and what I’m working for. It’s a goal. An aspiration. Thank you for recognizing that.

Writing occupies much of my time and thought. And in some cases money when you factor in tuition and flight costs to school. I started this post on the plane but then had to put it away for landing. Now, sitting in a Chili’s Too, it’s my writer mind that notices that the fork is metal but the knife is plastic. And I immediately create scenarios that have led to that decision and what a character would have to do to defend themselves from attack when they have a metal fork and a plastic knife. It’s just how my mind works. Or how I’ve trained my mind. I often worry about the details of life and what will I do if my tire blows out now, or now? Or what if the gentlemen in the next table over suddenly has a heart attack? I’ve spent years allowing the “what if’s” occupy my mind and send me into a panic attack. But now, though I still have to remind myself to do it, I turn it into a game of what would “INSERT CHARACTER” do if this happened to them? And I don’t feel so panicked because I’m not only thinking about what they’d do but also writing the story in my head and debating word choice.

I love writing. I love that I’m going to school again and have the support of my family to pursue this. I love knowing that I’m going to spend a week with like minded individuals who spend hours daydreaming their stories like I do. I’m also very excited that I was assigned the mentor of my choice. Not that I didn’t learn a lot from my last mentor. But I’m very excited to work with Mr. Scott A Johnson. I first met the man last year at residency in a class on developing characters. I was so impressed with the passion and attention he put into his characters that I then read three of his novels and his collection of short stories. Once I found out that I’d have the opportunity to request a mentor for the rest of the program I immediately requested him. I’m excited for his attention and determination to rip apart my thesis and to learn everything I can from him. The man is a titan. He has so much on his plate but continues to give so much back to others. It will truly be an honor to work with him.

I still have one more flight and all of tomorrow to wait until the opening reception of this residency. Pursue what you love. It will be worth the sacrifice.

– Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Flying over Alabama

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