Graduate School Part Deux

I have decided I want to embark on another round of graduate school. This time I thought I would focus on the pursuit of a frivolous masters degree that will in no way serve a definitive career track (LOL). I now see that is the only way for me to do it. I have decided to apply for an online MFA in Creative Writing at Naropa in Boulder.

Today I looked over the application process. It is lengthy and involved and the suggested deadline is January 15th. Piece of Cake, right? Then I looked at what is involved. There is the ususal application and transcript stuff. There are the letters of recommendation and the two to four page essay and technology assessment. Still, not bad. What, 15 pages of poetry? I got it. 30 pages of fiction prose? Uh, oh. I write poetry but I usually write non-fiction, not fiction prose. What the heck will I write about?

At first I thought, "What am I getting into?" I became fearful that I would not measure up at all. I didn't know what to write. I decided to tackle the essay first. It got easier as I wrote. Five and a half pages later and I was done. Now to edit. That was harder. I needed most of what was there. Then I had a brilliant idea, adjust the font size. Snap, now I have three and a half pages. I think it will work.

The poetry just needs compiling and editing. Now, the 30 pages of fiction. I got the suggestion that I write historical fiction. Great idea, I think I can make that work. What topic? That's hard. I need an interesting woman to write about, someone who's inner life I can really imagine. I was taking a walk and it hit me... Now I know what I will write and so the story begins--

Today I am grateful for this challenge opportunity to stretch myself creatively.