#iowawritersworkshop

[writersmama]

I remember how often one of my #mentors , John Leggett (Jack) #iowawritersworkshop #houghtonmifflinharcourt would say “If you don’t have a folder filled with rejection letters, you’re not working hard enough.” #rejectionletters are just part of #writers roads to #publication #wisewords from one #wise & #gifted #editor & #writer #johnleggett #director #napavalleywritersconference @sbwriters https://www.instagram.com/p/CMaGIUCJGff/?igshid=1y0gwyy35zzov

[writersmama]

I had the pleasure of knowing John Leggett - Jack-fairly well & I used to say that had I met him when he was a bit younger or I was a bit older… ? I would’ve been in trouble❤️I adored this learned man who was a major #editor in New York for many years at #houghtinmifflin & then #director of the #iconic #iowawritersworkshop before he #taught at #santabarbarawritersconference where I met him and was his student for many years. His workshop was so crowded that I would arrive many minutes early and take my seat on the floor next to where he always sat… I didn’t want to miss a word. Not sure if #storytelling is still in publication but if it is, buy it. #mentors #mentorshipmatters https://www.instagram.com/p/CCPCvwAlFcC/?igshid=koz6aejyp5gt

[standardkink-blog]

That time I got Bukowski in the mail the same day I got rejected from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. #poetry #poetryporn #bukowski #iowawritersworkshop #writer #poetsofinstagram (at Los Angeles, California)

[officiallyamazingblorg-blog]

“The dank clusters, graying and impenetrable, gain mass like demon snowballs as they travel. Pumps clog. Gears falter.”

[muddypuppytales]

Accomplishing a Life-Long Goal

A few summers ago, I took a couple of writing refresher courses at the Iowa Writers' Summer Festival at the University of Iowa. In one particular class, lead by the wonderful writing instructor, Leslie Schwartz, I made a number of friends with whom I've stayed connected. One of these people, Vimi Bajaj, recently completed her MFA and just had her first story published in the online journal, "Prick of the Spindle." Vimi is a physician, a wife and a mother, but she also has the heart of an artist and never stopped pursuing her dream of writing and having her stories published. Vimi's short story is called ANKITA and is about a middle-aged Indian woman who is contemplating getting married for the first time and who struggles with the injustices of life and the need to stand up for what's right, particularly against those who seem to have more power and who feel justified abusing such power. The day before I read Vimi's story, I happened to have read EVELINE, one of James Joyce's short stories in his book DUBLINERS. EVELINE is also about a woman who is contemplating marriage at an older age (for her contemporary social norms) and who struggles to choose the right thing to do. I was struck by the similarities between the stories, but even more so by the way each writer, in their respective cultures, portrayed the challenges these women faced and the limitations they struggled with given the social constraints placed on their gender. I highly suggest you read both short stories and see for yourself. Vimi's story is free to read on the website Prick of the Spindle ( link below). Let me know what you think and if you like Vimi's story, share it with your friends. http://www.prickofthespindle.com/pages/vol.8.2/vol-8-2.html