Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Clarion WestI got the call on Sunday night. I have been accepted in the Clarion West Workshop. Don't let my calm tone fool you. This is a BFD. For the second time in 6 months I ran into the basement and did these pogo-ing jumping jacks while shouting, "you'll never guess what just happened" at my poor bewildered spouse.
I get to spend 6 weeks in Seattle doing workshops and writing and hanging out with writers. No cooking. No cleaning. No commuting. And no lawyers.
I never mentioned applying to it here. I guess that's a great indicator of my confidence. I had pretty much talked myself out of it thinking that I would really be relieved to find I didn't get in. There's a big change in my professional life coming up that I also haven't mentioned yet here but the gist is I'll be leaving the firm at the end of September and working fulltime for a tribal client. I'm sure I'll be wringing my hands about it until then but I'll spare you for now.
I was thrilled with the news and bouncing off the walls for the rest of the night. That night I dreamt I was at the workshop and I only had one page to turn in for my story. It's going to be awesome.
There's a good summary of my writing life and what led up to this here. After Wordstock (the first time I did the pogo dance) I wanted to keep moving forward so I decided to apply to Clarion West. I didn't know if I could get the time off or how I could make it work but I figured I'd worry about that later.
The firm is fine with it, if not very supportive and Bob and I are working out the rest of it.
I know this is just one summer of my life but here are the two tragedies.
#1 – My garden. I don't see how I can put in a garden and then be gone for 6 weeks. I'm sure Bob could keep it alive but he hates tomatoes so it seems like a lot to ask for him to take care of it. I'll probably put some stuff in anyway and see what happens. Of course I'm going to plant pumpkins.
#2 – No extended Orleans trip this summer with all the family and kids and the river and corn and tomatoes and Indian Rocks. I'll have time for a quick weekend trip but can't see taking off 6 weeks at the beginning of the summer and then expecting another week at the end.
I'm not complaining. This is going to be a great summer.
We're going to Seattle this weekend as our super-abbreviated spring break trip (long story omitted) and I told Bob this is the last weekend for effing around until August. I'm all business until this workshop is over.
Labels: "Clarion West"
posted by Pamela at 12:57 PM
Comments:
Congratulations! I hope we can get together for coffee while you are here for the workshop. How exciting.
A public WHOO HOOOO!!!!!
Now I have my answer: September.
There's always something to give up, isn't there. Even with the best news ever.
Now I have my answer: September.
There's always something to give up, isn't there. Even with the best news ever.
Woo! Congratulations! (I followed how not to write over here.)
I'll be there, too, and am in a similar situation as you are. Anyway, I'm excited; it looks like we might have some things to talk about.
I'll be there, too, and am in a similar situation as you are. Anyway, I'm excited; it looks like we might have some things to talk about.
My longest comment threat ever. I'm going to print it out and sleep with it under my pillow.
Thanks for all the congrats everyone. Yes, Mrs. G. coffee date!
If any one wants to track me down via email: pam(at)pamrentz.com. I'm always here. Almost.
Thanks for all the congrats everyone. Yes, Mrs. G. coffee date!
If any one wants to track me down via email: pam(at)pamrentz.com. I'm always here. Almost.
Don't print it yet! Hannah's here now, too, finally. What fantastic news, Pam!! I am so proud of you. I am in Minneapolis and decided to check my favorite three blogs before going to sleep. I'm so glad I did. This is OUTSTANDING news! Can't wait to celebrate with you, you star. xxoo Hannah
I wrote "comment threat" -- I don't think I've ever left a comment that didn't have a typo.
comment THREAD.
comment THREAD.
Looking forward to meeting you. My name's Jim Stewart and I'll also be attending. Check out my blog at jimnstewart.blogspot.com.
PS: I think that "comment threat" is either a great story or band name. Not sure which.
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PS: I think that "comment threat" is either a great story or band name. Not sure which.