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Overcoming the Urge to Quit

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been a bit morose over the last couple of years. I have wanted to quit wanting to write and been indulging that demon as much as possible. But something kept stringing me along. I didn’t want to succumb to writer’s block. Maybe because I don’t believe in it. I just need the proper motivation. Getting an MFA isn’t the proper motivation. Getting published isn’t either. Teaching isn’t it. Praise from a teacher or workshop don’t do it either. It’s from me… Or you, if you’ve been going through the same thing as me.

In any case, I am playing the part of my own motivation and saying to everyone who wants to listen that I am back (on the block?) and I want to be a writer. I am a writer.

And now it’s time to write.

I hope people are still out there, sort of watching me and my self-neglected blog. I want to make this as public as possible — I am committing to finishing something I am proud of and working hard at it. There. I said it.

Have you been going through some rough writing times? Would love to know how you worked through it. For me, I guess it’s just been a matter of giving it time and eventually getting sick of hearing myself complain. That and ultimately showing my two beautiful girls that quitting at something you love just shouldn’t be an option.

Thanks,
Gordon

Posted 15 May 2010 † Gordon § Just a thought § Rants § Writing § Writing craft ‡ Comments (10)

Want to Be an MFA Blogger?

If you’re currently enrolled in an MFA program and want to write about your experience for a wide audience, this may be your chance.

Not for this site — well, maybe (send me an email or something) — but rather for Writer’s Digest’s blog MFA Confidential. They’re holding a contest and it seemed interesting enough to bring me out of hibernation to link to it. Read more about the contest at Writer’s Digest.

If you make it, let me know. And actually if you’d like to blog for After the MFA, let’s talk…

Posted 09 March 2010 † Gordon § Blogging § Links § Writing ‡ Comments (5)

4 Years After My MFA — What Would I Have Done Differently?

Now that I’m four years past the official culmination of my MFA in creative writing program, when people ask me “what would you have done differently?” I feel like I can actually answer it with a level of objectivity to be useful.

I’ve had conversations with people enough times to know a bit better how to respond to the question as well. So here’s my attempt.

There is only one thing I would have done differently: picked a different school.

Continue Reading »

Posted 07 November 2009 † Gordon § Just a thought § Publishing § Rants § Writing ‡ Comments (9)