Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer

In brief:

1) Last week brought the final day of my work for Fig Tree Books. Happily, a new freelance assignment came in the same day. (And I didn’t even have to pitch to be offered it!) So that was encouraging, and I hope that it’s a harbinger of more to come. Not that I’m expecting assignments to continue rolling into my inbox un-pitched. I’ve been spending a lot of time developing and sending pitches, and I’ll continue to do so.

2) Meantime, I’m waiting for a decision to arrive re: a fall residency I’ve applied for. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

3) And I’m working, working, working on getting my full-length poetry manuscript ready for its summer debut at a conference workshop. I need to send in the ms (I’m allowed 50 pages) by month’s end. Let’s just say that this is very challenging work. (Advice appreciated!)

9 thoughts on “Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer

  1. Barbara says:

    Erika,
    Thanks for sharing. Fingers crossed for the residency. Which conference are you workshopping your poetry ms. at?
    Barbara

    1. Erika Dreifus says:

      Thanks, Barbara. It’s the VCFA Postgraduate conference.

      1. Barbara says:

        I signed up for that twice but never got to go due to illness. Have a great time. I’d love to hear how it went.

      2. Virginia Chase Sutton says:

        I’ve been to the VCFA post-grad writers’ conference party many times and it’s a wonderful conference. Be sure to bring a fan as the dorms get hot, and an extension cord! And bring lots of energy as lots goes on–workshops, craft talks, readings—both students and faculty. I’d be back there in a shot if my health would allow, but alas, no. It was very informative—Bruce Weigl, who was my workshop leader twice, ordered my manuscripts twice, and they were both published (several years apart). Have fun!

        1. Erika Dreifus says:

          What an encouraging account! Thanks so much.

  2. I always like your updates. That’s exciting about receiving an assignment without pitching.

    1. Erika Dreifus says:

      Thanks, Petrea!

  3. Asata says:

    I hope the fall residency comes through! Good luck! You deserve it with all that you share with the writing community.

    1. Erika Dreifus says:

      Thank you!

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