Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Visiting the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program

by Erika Dreifus on
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IMG_0325One week ago, I was on my way to the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA program in Washington state. It was a quick trip (I was back in New York City Sunday morning) but a glorious one.

I taught two classes on Thursday afternoon and two on Friday. I attended a student reading one evening and on another, an alumni association fundraiser that featured both alumni readers and guest faculty Rikki Ducornet. I enjoyed so many conversations with students, alumni, and faculty (all of whom impressed me as smart, generous, and incredibly hard-working). And I was lucky enough to stay long enough to attend the beautiful graduation ceremony on Sunday.

In addition to all of that, I got to soak in the scenery. My photos don’t really do the place justice–but I hope that you’ll get a sense of the beauty and inspiration that surrounded me. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. (more…)

Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Updates Galore

by Erika Dreifus on
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A few bits of news to share this week:

  • Remember when I told you that I was about to submit a poetry chapbook manuscript to a contest for the very first time? Well, I’m overjoyed to share that the manuscript has reached quarterfinalist status! The news really made my day last Wednesday when it was announced. Obviously, I’m hoping that the manuscript makes it to the next (semifinalist) stage, too. But even if it doesn’t, I have gained such a sense of validation in the work. For that, I am so grateful.
  • Today I’m on my way to the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA program‘s August residency, where I’ll be teaching seminars on freelancing, character development, and short-story collection structuring. I’m honored to have this opportunity and eager to get my first-ever glimpse of the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
  • And speaking of fiction/short stories, may I recommend that you short story writers consider pre-ordering the 2014 Novel and Short Story Writer’s Market? I won’t get any commission, but you will get to see my article on “Habits of Highly Successful Short Story Writers” within. More about that (and public thanks to my interviewees) when I’m able to get my hands on a final copy of the book, myself.

    • I’m not sure what my Internet situation will be like while I’m away at the residency, so I’m taking a brief hiatus from blogging until I get back. (Don’t worry–when I say “brief” I mean “brief”–you’ll see me back here on Monday morning!) Have a great several days, everyone.

    Some of the scenery I can look forward to! (photo from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts Facebook page)
    Some of the scenery I can look forward to! (photo from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts Facebook page)

    Gone Fishin’

    by Erika Dreifus on
    Disabled

    Well, not exactly. But I am going to be away for a few days. Which means that there won’t be a “Jewish Literary Links for Shabbat” post this week. Count on a return to our regularly scheduled blogging next week. Shabbat shalom (jn advance).