Erika Dreifus

Three quick updates from my desk.

1. There’s always a first time. Over the decades, I’ve submitted my work—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—for comment to countless workshops, classes, and critique groups. But this week brings a milestone: For the first time, I’ve submitted a children’s picture-book manuscript for group feedback. (The online class I was part of in September, though interactive, did not feature a “workshop” component.)

I’m steeling myself for the upcoming discussion. But I’m already grateful, because I know the group well enough to anticipate smart, experienced comments (I’m the only “newbie” in this group—I’m still not sure why they let me in!).

2. Green light! Pitched an essay Monday morning and, after some email exchanges, received the assignment within hours. (The editor involved is someone I’ve never worked with before, but I am already dazzled by this person’s promptness, guidance, and energy.)

Now, I need to write the thing! Stay tuned.

3. #AmReading. Well, I’m re-reading Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited. I’ll be facilitating a discussion for a private book club next week. I’m having fun digging through the Evelyn Waugh Society’s website for choice morsels to share with the group. (Did I realize/remember that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the book’s publication? Maybe? But it seemed a delightful [re]discovery when I visited the site this week.)