lookatthat
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Post by lookatthat on Apr 14, 2021 11:48:46 GMT -5
So, I do some writing. A little bit for the local newspapers, and some that never sees the light of day. Been working on a fantasy novel. Then I heard about a 6-week fantasy/sci-fi/horror writing workshop and I applied. I know my writing is decent, but still -- I must be crazy to think I would get in! The best up-and-coming genre writers in the world apply, and the director only takes about 15. They did like my writing piece enough, however, to request info from my references (who in turn wrote amazing things about me -- wow -- I am humbled by their kind words). Before I applied to the program I had to apply for an unpaid educational leave of absence, as the course is incredibly intensive. My supervisors have been supportive, but HR has been a little weird -- do they really think I could go to work AND devote the 86 hrs weekly that is needed for the course???
Anyway, I am waiting to hear back if I have been accepted, but I might not hear anything for another two weeks, (end of April) and the course starts in early June. I would have a lot of ducks to get into a row in a short period of time if I am accepted -- and if HR approves my request.
But what will I do if I am NOT accepted into the program? I want to have something to look forward to. I do have some weeks of paid vacation, so I could go somewhere, but I don't have anyone to go somewhere with, and probably wouldn't be comfortable going more than a day's drive (distance) by myself. Could fly maybe, but don't know where.
I've been pretty anxious about everything, but today I feel a little depressed. Any advice?
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 14, 2021 12:41:37 GMT -5
Sounds like an awesome opportunity!!! I hope you get it. I'm a sci fi nerd.
eta- Sorry, can't help with the anxiety. I think probably not much will help that. Just gotta wait. Good luck!
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Post by Pat on Apr 14, 2021 13:05:31 GMT -5
Can you turn your anxiety into a story, hitting some of the elements that will be covered in the course as well as some of the issues you mentioned?
Good luck either way.
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gemfeller
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Post by gemfeller on Apr 14, 2021 13:26:27 GMT -5
lookatthat: As someone who's waited for long weeks...months even, hoping my latest manuscript wouldn't get the typical printed rejection slip, I can definitely sympathize. I don't write fiction (though I'm a lifelong lover of SF) but the internal emotions of putting your hard work "out there" for others to coldly judge must be much the same. I like Pat's suggestion of using the energy of anticipation and fear of rejection to create another story or character using those emotions while you're waiting. But I also know it takes enormous self-discipline (often more than I can muster) to apply the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair and fingertips to the keyboard, then to focus on externalizing a bit of internal psychoanalysis. Whatever you decide to do I wish you the best and hope you'll be accepted into what appears to be an exciting and motivational course of instruction.
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lookatthat
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Whatever there is to be found.
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Post by lookatthat on Apr 14, 2021 13:51:04 GMT -5
lookatthat : As someone who's waited for long weeks...months even, hoping my latest manuscript wouldn't get the typical printed rejection slip, I can definitely sympathize. I don't write fiction (though I'm a lifelong lover of SF) but the internal emotions of putting your hard work "out there" for others to coldly judge must be much the same. I like Pat's suggestion of using the energy of anticipation and fear of rejection to create another story or character using those emotions while you're waiting. But I also know it takes enormous self-discipline (often more than I can muster) to apply the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair and fingertips to the keyboard, then to focus on externalizing a bit of internal psychoanalysis. Whatever you decide to do I wish you the best and hope you'll be accepted into what appears to be an exciting and motivational course of instruction. Yes, it's hard to put it out there. It was even harder to ask for help from my boss, co-workers, and references.
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neural
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2019
Posts: 114
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Post by neural on Apr 14, 2021 14:09:41 GMT -5
I've never gone as far as submitting any work, as I mostly write for myself, but drawing from other areas of life, I will do my best to pass on some advice that really helps with the anxiety of waiting: "Get Lost" Not in the insulting sense, but in the sense of just forget about the waiting for someone else to approve of your work, and get back to creating. Lose yourself in your projects. When you are immersed into your creative world and feel the story coursing through your veins, the rejection letter for "that other story" may slow you down, but the more you take this mindset, the more the rejections will not affect you. It is not an easy mindset to take on. Especially if you are highly self critical (that would be me for sure). Remember that in 10 to 15 years one of two things will have happened: A) You'll be a successful, maybe even famous, author, and the person who rejected your work will still be a nobody. B) You'll be somewhere else. Maybe still struggling, maybe doing something completely different, and the person who rejected your work will still be a nobody. In both scenarios it's very unlikely that the person who rejected your creation(s) will remember your name or what you wrote. They only have the power that you give them.
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Post by miket on Apr 14, 2021 15:56:27 GMT -5
So, I do some writing. A little bit for the local newspapers, and some that never sees the light of day. Been working on a fantasy novel. Then I heard about a 6-week fantasy/sci-fi/horror writing workshop and I applied. I know my writing is decent, but still -- I must be crazy to think I would get in! The best up-and-coming genre writers in the world apply, and the director only takes about 15. They did like my writing piece enough, however, to request info from my references (who in turn wrote amazing things about me -- wow -- I am humbled by their kind words). Before I applied to the program I had to apply for an unpaid educational leave of absence, as the course is incredibly intensive. My supervisors have been supportive, but HR has been a little weird -- do they really think I could go to work AND devote the 86 hrs weekly that is needed for the course???
Anyway, I am waiting to hear back if I have been accepted, but I might not hear anything for another two weeks, (end of April) and the course starts in early June. I would have a lot of ducks to get into a row in a short period of time if I am accepted -- and if HR approves my request.
But what will I do if I am NOT accepted into the program? I want to have something to look forward to. I do have some weeks of paid vacation, so I could go somewhere, but I don't have anyone to go somewhere with, and probably wouldn't be comfortable going more than a day's drive (distance) by myself. Could fly maybe, but don't know where.
I've been pretty anxious about everything, but today I feel a little depressed. Any advice?
I'm sorry I can't offer any advice, but I can wish you the best of luck!
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stefan
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Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 14, 2021 18:35:12 GMT -5
Here is my nickles worth of free advice. First congrates. I used to write a lot. Mostly odd fiction, dealing with stream of thought, and hack attempts at poetry. I was encouraged to submit, which I did and was shot down time and time again. I kinda gave up and stopped writing. I had a job for a while where I did a lot of pressure release writing and catalog proof. Don't give up on your dream NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!!!! If you get in the workshop and HR is unsupportive, well do you really want to work somewhere that is not going to be flexible and supportive? If you don't get in, write about it. Take that disappointment and let it feed your passion (Great advice Pat ). Travel locally (You might be AMAZED at what is around you). Just a quick example: I work 20 mins from home. I drive the same road 2 times a day for the last 2 years. I noticed a hiking trial along this road this past winter (my wife and I love to hike local trials). We hit this trial that is literally 15 mins from our home, and found a hidden gem of a wilderness hike complete with a large waterfall and some amazing gorge views. Seek out those little treasures close to home. Relish in them. Grab a journal and loose yourself in what surrounds you. Write about how you feel, and try something new (perhaps some poetry lol). Best of luck and fingers crossed that it all works out!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 14, 2021 20:28:14 GMT -5
First off, congratulations for taking the initiative and applying for the workshop. It takes guts to put yourself out there.
I wish I could give you some words of wisdom, but others have already given you some good advice. Take heart and believe in yourself. Even if this one doesn't pan out there will be more opportunities for you in the future. There is simply no way to know what you can do until you try.
I'll be sending up the good vibes for you for encouragement and for acceptance into this workshop.
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electrocutus
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 331
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Post by electrocutus on Apr 15, 2021 10:00:03 GMT -5
Congratluations on getting this far in the process; this is already quite an accomplishment! Channeling your anxiety and waiting time into a story is a great idea. Good luck!
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lookatthat
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Post by lookatthat on Apr 15, 2021 11:26:14 GMT -5
Thank you all, kind people.
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Brian
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Post by Brian on Apr 15, 2021 11:56:19 GMT -5
I wish you the best of luck!
I’m not a writer, but as a reader I appreciate and support all writers’ efforts!
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lookatthat
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Post by lookatthat on May 2, 2021 10:37:22 GMT -5
Update... sort of.
I got an email back from Odyssey Writing Workshop. The director said they had a record number of applications this year -- twice their previous record. Many great applications, I'm sure, since it is being held online this year and nobody has to get in a plane and fly to New Hampshire from Portugal or wherever. And so, I have been...
wait-listed.
Which leaves me with -- what? Stuck. If it wasn't such an awesome opportunity, I would just say no. My boss and my co-workers sure aren't going to like it.
I hate putting other people out for me, causing them stress and uncertainty and complications. That's the worst part of all this. Had I been accepted, I was going to see if I could rent a cabin (with good wi-fi) to stay at. I had my eye on some. But certainly they will not be available if I wait for another three weeks. (Then again, they might already be rented for the summer anyway.) Anyway, I will get a newer computer and try to get my internet upgraded.
Why does everything have to be so complicated?
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lookatthat
Cave Dweller
Whatever there is to be found.
Member since May 2017
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Post by lookatthat on May 2, 2021 12:18:45 GMT -5
Yeah, I realize I am being whiny.
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Post by Pat on May 2, 2021 14:29:14 GMT -5
Decide what you want to do, then do it. Your plan will probably change, but action feels much better than no action. I wish you well. Keep us posted. Good luck!
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Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
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Post by Brian on May 2, 2021 19:59:29 GMT -5
I'm a glass-half-full-kind of guy, so while not an outright win, being wait-listed is a great sign! They don't wait-list people unless they think there is a good chance they will pull them in. These are strange times and anything can happen. Fingers crossed for some good news soon!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on May 2, 2021 20:12:54 GMT -5
I agree with brian. You could have gotten a flat out rejection letter, but they thought enough of your work to keep you in the game. I'd say that's a win.
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lookatthat
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Post by lookatthat on May 23, 2021 9:02:33 GMT -5
Update for all... no one has dropped out, so I am not in. So close, and yet so far...
In the meantime, I bought a new computer in case I did happen to get in. First i ordered the wrong one and had to send it back (fortunately i realized my error before I opened the box). Then I sent for the one I actually intended to order, and it has arrived, and the dang thing looks so serious and expensive that I'm scared to turn it on. It's been so long since I set up a new computer that I don't remember how to do it. Sigh. And today is not the day to try. I got less than an hour of sleep last night due to the raccoons climbing all over the house. That and the quick change in weather and I have a lousy headache.
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Post by jasoninsd on May 23, 2021 19:21:01 GMT -5
Update for all... no one has dropped out, so I am not in. So close, and yet so far... In the meantime, I bought a new computer in case I did happen to get in. First i ordered the wrong one and had to send it back (fortunately i realized my error before I opened the box). Then I sent for the one I actually intended to order, and it has arrived, and the dang thing looks so serious and expensive that I'm scared to turn it on. It's been so long since I set up a new computer that I don't remember how to do it. Sigh. And today is not the day to try. I got less than an hour of sleep last night due to the raccoons climbing all over the house. That and the quick change in weather and I have a lousy headache. Don't turn the new PC on until you're ready! Have a chat with the raccoons and tell them to pipe down tonight... You can't do anything about the weather... Maybe some Ibuprofen for the headache... Get some peaceful sleep tonight.
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