AWP bound!

on the road to geeking out over writing

Today I’m on the road, heading to a writing conference where I look forward to nerding out over all things writing and publishing. Since publishing is a game of numbers (often a losing game), I’ll be focusing more on the writing end of things–attending readings, craft talks, and perusing books and literary magazines.

You guys, I’m so excited.

Ironically, attending a conference on writing is keeping me from…writing (Peace out, novel revisions!). But it seems an appropriate time to share a win I had this week: I had a flash essay published. Flash essays are short, and this one clocks in at 300 words. Which is to say it’s a quick read.

There’s a lot about writing that I love. Language, creativity, zooming in on small moments. Submitting work takes a discipline that I’ve learned to appreciate, if not enjoy. And rejections? I’ve become a little thicker-skinned about them (still not fun, though). So, it is a sweet feeling when I do get an essay published and even sweeter when I admire the magazine.

The self-promotion part of this gig? That, I do not love. But why write if not to be read? So, [deep breath] here it is, my most recent publication, “When the Ultrasound Technician Says, ‘Something’s Not Right…’” in the very cool Tahoma Literary Review. Thank you for reading.

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Acorns for the Week:

(aka joys I hope take root)

My next memoir book club pick is Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur. I’ve read it before, so I’m thinking of listening to the audiobook this go-round as I drive to Baltimore. Or, my friend suggested Then Again by Diane Keaton, read by the author. I wouldn’t mind road-tripping with Diane’s laughter filling my car.