Of the guest speakers we've had this semester (Prof. Mangini, Dr. Courtney, Dr. Giampalmi, Prof. Chudzik, & Prof. Jahn-Clough), which did you gain the most from and why?


First off, a bit of informal thanks to all the professors who came in to talk to us.  I know none of them will ever read this, but thanks for offering advice to a bunch of literary hopefuls!

I can say with confidence that I definitely gained the most from talking with Jahn-Clough, not only in class but also during the two-on-one interview between her, myself, and Markirah.  I'm stubborn as an old mule when it comes to my writing.  I write what I like--fiction, horror, fantasy, children's--and I'll be damned if that's not what I'm going to do with my life!  I feel as though Jahn-Clough opened a door for me when I took her Children Stories class two semesters ago, and every time I speak with her she's just inching that door open a little more.  Her advice about agents was invaluable.  If not for her, I don't think I would have considered the importance of an agent until much later.  I've already been "shopping" around for fun and there's a nearly inexhaustible supply of young agents out there eager for fresh manuscripts.  Several years ago I might have skimmed right over children's lit as a possible career, but I've really discovered a passion in well written books for young adults.  Reading every night shaped me into the writer I am today.  Redwall and Harry Potter beckoned me to explore new worlds and test the limits of my creativity and I think I'd like to give back to that community.

- Reflective Letter
- Statement of goals ... as a writer
- CV with skills
- Representative writing samples
     - one fiction piece (from one of many creative writing classes)
     - one nonfiction piece (either from Writer's Mind or Writing with Style)
- Others
     - query letter to an online publication or magazine
     - additional writing samples (I will most likely send out a piece in conjunction with the query letter)

Overall, I'd like my portfolio to really highlight my strengths as a fiction writer by posting pieces that vary in genre.  I may even end up using this site as my portfolio for the "real world" so I'll probably end up posting several samples.

Melissa Donovan's "20 Creative Writing Careers" revealed possible career paths that I had not yet considered, as well as a few I've had my heart set on.  My "top 5" would include, 

1. Novelist
2. Freelance Short Fiction Writer
3. Video Game Writer
4. Travel Writer
5. Article Writer

Something I did not see on that list but have always considered would be an editor of manuscripts, perhaps for a magazine or publication house.  I love to read as much as I love to write.  I also have a good eye for grammar.  The ultimate dream is to publish a novel (or two, or three...) but between school and my part-time job the time just isn't there.  So instead I've been focusing on short stories (some flash fiction, some lengthier pieces) and I've amassed a small collection of horror, fantasy, and the tiniest bit of scifi that I will soon be sending out to various publishers.  The pros?  Getting my name out there, even if I'm not being paid for it.  And it will be my name on my work, for all the world to see.  One thing I don't think I could ever do would be a ghost writer.  I'm far too selfish for that.  As for the cons, well... It's not exactly the most lucrative choice, but I think in the beginning it's more important to submit submit submit than think about the monetary consequences.  One option would be to work on my novel and freelance short fiction while simultaneously working as an editor.  I'll probably fry my brains sooner or later, but it's worth doing because I'll be writing, and writing is what I love.

I think it's about time to break out the ol' Writer's Market and see who's currently accepting...