I took the plunge and signed up for Chautauqua this summer. I'm hoping to wrangle a few graduate credits out of this summer workshop but, even if the administration doesn't approve, I plan to go and make the most of it.
As I read through the bios of the attendees, I experienced a little sinking feeling in my stomach. So many of them are established writers with a long list of writing credits - novels, contest wins, article after published article. Many of them are even college professors and so, what do I have to show for myself? I've won one SCBWI poetry contest (June Looms) and have had a handful of poems accepted for upcoming issues of magazines and ezines. Other than that? Nothing. I've subbed a few picture book manuscripts here and there and have even had a couple of comments come back but so far all I've had are rejections. And mostly form rejections. Truthfully, I haven't subbed much at all. I've been busy working on my middle grade fantasy. And since I work full time, it's slow going. Sometimes, I only write on the weekends. How ridiculous is that? And what business do I have going to Chautauqua?
And so I teeter back and forth between backing out and forging ahead. I think of George Zorn, my writing instructor in college, who encouraged me to apply to the University of Iowa's creative writing program. I never did, even though he told me he used my stories as examples of how to write a story. I thought he was joking but apparently not, or so I learned when I saw a copy of one of my stories in somebody's folder. Ha.
If anybody has been to Chautauqua and would like to share their thoughts and experiences, I'd sure appreciate it. It's not exactly a cheap venture but I've denied myself many things over the years. I should not feel guilty. Should I?
Quick, somebody tell me no! Please!!
8 comments:
Stella, I'm so happy you are going. I went two years ago ... and I wrote about it here: http://www.vijayabodach.com/Chautauqua%20Musings.htm
Believe me, you belong. You will love the collegial atmosphere, the warmth and caring of the faculty and the attendees. And you'll want to be back.
Several people wrote about their experiences in this thread: http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php?topic=3609.0
This is an investment in your career. You will treasure it for a lifetime.
Enjoy yourself.
Forge ahead Stella! It's going to be great. And yes, you definitely belong.
You're underestimating yourself. Yes, you should go. It doesn't have to be about what you bring to the workshop, although you're going to bring plenty. It's also about what you'll get from it--and whatever that is, you deserve it!
Of course you belong! Go for it!
YAY!!!!! It was the best thing I ever did. I was there with Vijaya (Hi V!). You absolutely belong. But believe me, I know that feeling. And you will find that no one makes you feel more welcome than Kent Brown and his brothers. They are awesome!
Drink in that wonderful sea of artistic vibes. Enjoy it...and make sure you stop for some ice cream!
email me or check my Wimzi to see if I'm on line and we'll chat.
Do NOT feel guilty...you are sooooo worth it!
I've been a little down lately so I appreciate the encouragement. Thanks so much, everybody. I hope to learn a lot and come home inspired.
I'm glad you're going. Please post a "report" on your blog! It'll inspire the rest of us to get our acts together & sign up for something like this.
Late in coming here, but yes--this is a dream long awaited and you deserve to see it fulfilled.
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