Let’s all take a deep breath. *inhale* *exhale* Hi! How are you? I wasn’t planning a post this week, but thought it would be a good idea to check in during the whirlwind of events, both global and personal. I write today from the Randolph College Low-Res MFA program. It’s always a very happy residency; the students and faculty here are some of my favorite people. I’m happy to be back and working again with such a positive group of thinkers.
Thank you for asking, Maurice! 2023 has probably been the most dizzying year of my life to date. Five months ago, I lived in San Francisco. Now I'm in rural Georgia. I used to get woken up by city traffic, now I'm woken up by the neighbor's rooster. Being from New Orleans did NOT prepare me for life in Milledgeville, though I'm grateful for everything I'm learning in my MFA program and I love my students.
There's a lot I'm navigating emotionally right now that I'm confident will be important for my development as a writer, but I'm currently in the space of just *dealing,* with faith in that being the case. With all that's going on in the world right now, I'm feel like a challenge is being put fourth: Make something that *matters,* that *means something,* even *though,* even *as.* I don't yet know how to rise to that challenge. This moment, for me, feels open and uncertain, but, mercifully, not directionless. I've spent my break reading a lot, and I'm excited for the Spring semester to start. I'm taking a Criminology Theory class because this school is renowned for their Criminal Justice program, and I'm excited to see how the knowledge I get from that class will inform current and future projects.
Early this week I got my official invitation to participate in the upcoming Tennessee Williams Festival! I can only hope to be as good as you were during your first appearance there, which I still remember. Happy New Year, Maurice.
I'm doing well, thank you. The minor surgery was a success and I'm healing. 2023 is also the year I signed with a literary agent, so a good year for me as well, I think. My hopes for 2024 are more writing and good health. I wish the same for you.
oof, this year was something. many many good things punctured by some terrible. overall very grateful but yeah, tired. i'm sharpening novel 2 and hope it finds its way into the world. hoping the world finds its way toward some measure of peace and sanity. thanks as always for your benevolent presence, maurice. happy new year!
I'm doing well, thank you. This year has had its major downs, but also some ups. Bright stars in the darkness, I guess. It felt like a prologue sort of year - I'm hoping next one the sparks will start a fire, if that makes sense, both with the connections and work I've done writing-wise and in my personal life. If you're up for a long read my latest post chronicles my year:
I would say I’m still very much hurt about the amount of people who can see the gen8cide but refuse to protest/boycott/vote for a difference. This includes people I know and would have thought otherwise.
In 2024, I’m hoping to complete two poetry chapbooks, and a handful of reviews.
You likely don’t remember me by name, but I was a student in (I think the first) fiction class you taught at LSU. I completely pivoted from fiction during the pandemic to poetry. Funny how things happen, but I would say I’m at home in this art and community.
Thank you for asking, Maurice! 2023 has probably been the most dizzying year of my life to date. Five months ago, I lived in San Francisco. Now I'm in rural Georgia. I used to get woken up by city traffic, now I'm woken up by the neighbor's rooster. Being from New Orleans did NOT prepare me for life in Milledgeville, though I'm grateful for everything I'm learning in my MFA program and I love my students.
There's a lot I'm navigating emotionally right now that I'm confident will be important for my development as a writer, but I'm currently in the space of just *dealing,* with faith in that being the case. With all that's going on in the world right now, I'm feel like a challenge is being put fourth: Make something that *matters,* that *means something,* even *though,* even *as.* I don't yet know how to rise to that challenge. This moment, for me, feels open and uncertain, but, mercifully, not directionless. I've spent my break reading a lot, and I'm excited for the Spring semester to start. I'm taking a Criminology Theory class because this school is renowned for their Criminal Justice program, and I'm excited to see how the knowledge I get from that class will inform current and future projects.
It sounds like you're in the middle of a very special time, Sarah. I'm rooting for you! 💛
Early this week I got my official invitation to participate in the upcoming Tennessee Williams Festival! I can only hope to be as good as you were during your first appearance there, which I still remember. Happy New Year, Maurice.
That's fantastic, Teresa! Congratulations. 💐
I'm doing well, thank you. The minor surgery was a success and I'm healing. 2023 is also the year I signed with a literary agent, so a good year for me as well, I think. My hopes for 2024 are more writing and good health. I wish the same for you.
Thank you, Vincent! I'm glad you're doing well. I hope 2024 is a good one for you!🙏🏿
oof, this year was something. many many good things punctured by some terrible. overall very grateful but yeah, tired. i'm sharpening novel 2 and hope it finds its way into the world. hoping the world finds its way toward some measure of peace and sanity. thanks as always for your benevolent presence, maurice. happy new year!
Happy New Year, Chin-Sun! I hope 2024 is a smooth, fun year for you. 🎁
I'm doing well, thank you. This year has had its major downs, but also some ups. Bright stars in the darkness, I guess. It felt like a prologue sort of year - I'm hoping next one the sparks will start a fire, if that makes sense, both with the connections and work I've done writing-wise and in my personal life. If you're up for a long read my latest post chronicles my year:
https://harveyhamer.substack.com/p/a-roundup-of-my-year
Happy New Year!
Hang in there, Harvey. I read your post. It looks like you're on a good path. 👍🏾
Thank you so much! I hope so
I would say I’m still very much hurt about the amount of people who can see the gen8cide but refuse to protest/boycott/vote for a difference. This includes people I know and would have thought otherwise.
In 2024, I’m hoping to complete two poetry chapbooks, and a handful of reviews.
You likely don’t remember me by name, but I was a student in (I think the first) fiction class you taught at LSU. I completely pivoted from fiction during the pandemic to poetry. Funny how things happen, but I would say I’m at home in this art and community.
Anyways, hope this next year treats you well. Stay safe during your travels!