back from Yale Writer’s Workshop

Our teacher, Kirsten Bakis, had us draw a simple image to describe our projects.

I am back from a residency at Yale Writer’s Workshop. Well, back is a relative term. I live nearby, so commuted daily. This is my second time attending, this time as an alumni in an intensive program. I chose this particular program because it was close and my only option to study with other writers in person. Flying somewhere for a week or two is not feasible for me right now. As it is, I came home every day to parent, deal with a very sick kid, and visit with my dad, who was kind enough to come up and hang out for the week. 

The workshops and master classes were the highlight, as well as lunch and a special dinner out with my cohort. I missed extracurricular events and readings in the evenings. Even in a less-than-ideal circumstance, I left inspired and with clear steps and guidance as I finish my novel. There is nothing quite like working with other serious writers and having eight sets of critical eyes on your manuscript. Equally, I fell in love with the characters and stories of each of the other participants and can not wait to see them out in the world. 

As working and single parents or people with any challenges, it is important to carve out time to work on your passions, hobbies, or serious endeavors. On mornings when I had to get up after very little sleep because of family caregiving, I wondered why I was doing this. Why was it so hard? And exhausting? 

A favorite quote by Emerson is:

“Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift you can offer with the cumulative force of a whole life's cultivation, but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous, half possession.”

I take this to mean your voice is singular and wrought from a unique set of experiences. Each person has a story to record and hopefully share. But you have to advocate for yourself, no one else really will. So, if you can take a writing class or residency or just escape the library (or hell, even the bathroom) do it. Even if it is hard, and even if people think you are delusional or wasting your time. Insist on yourself and your creative work, always.

Xo, Amy

Our dining hall was out of Hogwarts, simply magical.