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Zoomin’ along at a snail’s pace

Fall in Canaan on the Tusket River

Well, it’s obvious. Instead of shortening the time in between my rambles as I had originally planned, it’s taken me weeks and weeks to get back here. Ten weeks in fact since last post. OIE!

But I have not only ONE good excuse but TWO.

I was a very sick puppy this summer. Slept in a cabin with some mold which turned me into a zombie. Took a few moons to recover. So much for that story.

But the upside is that being forced to slow down the past few weeks has also given me the opportunity to reinvent myself.  By the time I’m 76 (three weeks from now) I will have completed the last round of revising my business plan. But here’s even better news: I haven’t just been daydreaming about what I want to do when I grow up. I’m actually doing it.

Here’s the lowdown. The new-improved version of Sandra looks like this: she’s moving out of the  realm of writing stories for mainstream magazines and newspapers into the “literary” realm. That means getting published in literary magazines like The Sun, River Teeth, Creative Non-fiction, and Brevity. Ditto for making appearances in lit journals such as Geist, The Fiddlehead, Event, Room, Tin House–ad infinium.

I have a couple of ulterior motives. For starters, I applied for a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to do a Writer In Residence program in public libraries but was disqualified because I’m not considered a “literary” nonfiction writer. So be it. I’ll become one. This means establishing a track record by having prose, essays and long-from narratives published in lit mags and journals.

“The Shack” a.k.a Barrie’s Air BnB where I often go to hide & write when it’s not occupied.

Mercifully I don’t have to learn how to do magic or fly from trapezes although it may feel like I’m doing just that. Also it ties in with my first love: writing narrative nonfiction. I love mining for story. Sooo … I’m taking a course on writing the personal essay at Université Sainte Anne with Darryl Whetter. I studied poetry with Darryl five years ago and remembered how much time and energy he invested in his students, and how much I learned.

All along I’ve been reading books on the subject of narrative writing in general and writing essays/ memoir in particular. (I’ve mentioned some of the books in previous posts.) I have a few more to add to that list (including online resources) and the NEXT post will have a list of these gems.

Meanwhile, as part of the course I’m taking we were required to give a 10 min presentation on a memoir from a recommended reading list. I chose JJ Lee’s  memoir, The Measure of a Man. It’s a superb example of how a writer can write painful scenes without being maudlin or self-absorbed. The author’s gift to his readers is a rich basket of insights which help us understand the human condition.  But in order to achieve that, the author brings us into the fascinating word of a man’s suit. (Oh! The research! And how he weaves it into the story!) He also paints such vivid portraits of people that you feel as if you know them and love them in spite of their warts. It’s “a true story, well told” as Lee Gutkind, founder of  Creative Nonfiction Magazine once described creative nonfiction.

But here’s the kicker:  Unbeknownst to me (before my presentation) there was a brief posted on Moodle re: what our prof expected. So I approached the assignment as a book review and missed what I “should” have done by a mile. I will undoubtedly get a big fat 0. Good thing I’m not relying on grades. Rather, I’m relying on learnin’. I just need to add to my list “Learn where the briefs about upcoming assignments are located.”

Now, dear reader,  how goes YOU?

18 Comments

  1. LM Coakley LM Coakley
    October 17, 2020    

    Love your keepin’ on keepin’ on spirit! Enjoy! I am often nearby at that fab pool!

    • October 26, 2020    

      Kind of you to pop into view Linda Marie! Were you able to take in Tracey’s workshop at Birchdale? I was away for the most recent one. She’s amazing. Hope you were there.

  2. October 17, 2020    

    Wow! You never cease to amaze me, Sandra. I’ll be watching for your new type of writing with high expectations- knowing you won’t disappoint. Best of luck with your course. I know you will get a Canada Council “yes” at some point. You deserve recognition.
    We’re dealing with a health issue with Corwin right now, hoping to have it resolved within a month.
    We like each other, a lot :-), so COVID-19 restrictions have been, for the most part, well-accepted.
    Stay well and write on. Hugs, Rose-Marie

    • October 17, 2020    

      Always lovely to see you pop into view Rose-Marie! Will tuck Corwin into my prayers. Please keep me posted! Sending cyber hugs your way ~

  3. October 17, 2020    

    Wow! You never cease to amaze me, Sandra. I’ll be watching for your new type of writing with high expectations- knowing you won’t disappoint. Best of luck with your course. I know you will get a Canada Council “yes” at some point. You deserve recognition.
    We’re dealing with a health issue with Corwin right now, hoping to have it resolved within a month.
    We like each other, a lot :-), so COVID-19 restrictions have been, for the most part, well-accepted.
    Stay well and write on. Hugs, Rose-Marie

  4. Jennie Morrow Jennie Morrow
    October 17, 2020    

    The fascinating thing about the shack is that it has everything a person needs – everything else is superfluous. It would be a great place to stay before downsizing your own possessions at home.
    The course sat St Anne’s sounds interesting. Is it in French?
    I have never investigated publishing possibilities for short stories . Maybe someday.
    I admire the spirit that responds to, ‘you are not this therefore…’ with, ‘I will become this’.

    Always an inspiration Sandra.

    • October 17, 2020    

      The course is in English Jennie … offered through the Eng. dept there. Darryl is doing a course in the new year either on short stories or poetry! I’ll send you his email. And, yes, The Shack it a good place to consider downsizing and what’s really needed/important in our lives. Come visit and we’ll go over there for tea!

  5. Charlotte Charlotte
    October 17, 2020    

    Distance training does require some adaptation from the teacher and the students, but it seems the best solution in these times of distance from COVID. Your actions prove that your vision is clear. Best wishes for success in your transition to literary writing.

    • October 17, 2020    

      Thanks Charlotte! And, yes, online learning poses certain challenges but better than 0 learning!

  6. Joyce Glasner Joyce Glasner
    October 17, 2020    

    Dear Sandra, So sorry to hear about your mold-induced illness! That’s really nasty stuff & I hope it doesn’t leave any lingering effects. As for your decision to follow your heart & do more creative/fictional writing, I’m absolutely thrilled to hear it! Can’t wait to see/read your first collection of stories! Hugs! Joyce

    • October 17, 2020    

      You’ll be happy to know Joyce that I’m currently working on a NF piece that was inspired by finding a stick with “engravings” by the pine beetles which Doug identified for me. heheh. And DO hope you see you before the new year comes and goes. Will be in touch. xxxo

  7. Martha Vowles Martha Vowles
    October 17, 2020    

    I love your can-do spirit, Sandra. And I think your goal of “learnin'” is the most appropriate one in the seventh decade of your life, when you’re done with the credit courses and degrees and ladder-climbing. I know you’ll make the most of this course.

    • October 17, 2020    

      Lots to share with you over a coffee next year at Birchdale Martha!

  8. John Browning John Browning
    October 17, 2020    

    Bet of luck on your new journey!

    • October 18, 2020    

      Thanks John! Come visit me in the land of Canaan!

  9. Isobel Warren Isobel Warren
    October 17, 2020    

    Sandra . . . Once again your surpise and delight me. What an exciting update. And a good time to reinvent yourself. With your creativity, work ethic and outstanding writing ability, I know you’ll make a go of whatever you tackle.
    Warmest wishes, isobel.

    • October 26, 2020    

      Oh, Isobel, I so wish we lived closer. I yearn to have conversations with you. Perhaps a phone call before the snow flies? Keep well dear heart. XXXO

  10. Isobel Warren Isobel Warren
    October 17, 2020    

    Tried to leave you a comment, Sandra, but the system tells me ‘ you already said that’. So consider it said — huge congratulations and admiration for your energy, spirit, work ethic and sheer bloody talent. love, isobe.

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