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A couple days ago I started re-reading American Gods. It's even better the second time. I read it in bed. So I'm taking my time. I'm also flipping through a few poetry books (Carolina Ghosts Woods/The World Doesn't End/Lug Your Careless Body Out of the Careful Dusk), but mostly I've been revising and submitting and revising and submitting and revising and submitting and revising and submitting and so on...
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It's true that I've thought about getting a PhD. In fact, when I first started looking for schools to attend after Western, I looked at exclusively Creative Writing PhDs, and with the exception of Denver (which seems like the coolest fucking program EVER), nothing really seemed to pull me its way. The one school I still had on my lists till the last minute was SUNY Albany, but I dropped it off the list as I was sending out letters. But if I was to go (and this is hugely hypothetical), I think I would study film or some form of lit (poetics? narrative?), because I don't think I would want to stick with creative writing studies. One, I've been writing in school forever, and I would like to study something that might help me get a job (something that diversifies my CV) rather than another creative writer. I mean, Jesus, I'm already that guy with my MFA. But if I did go study film for a PhD my thesis would have to be about Paulie Shore. Either than or authorship in film. But probably Paulie Shore. Emily sent me a link to Lamebook, where a guy is bitching about the paper they had to write about a film. He couldn't understand why a professor would assign the film. Well, the film was supposed to be Apocalypse Now, and he renting something else...guess what...give up? In the Army Now, and he had already written two pages. I WANT THAT PAPER!!!! Here's the link!
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Speaking of MFAs, one thing people might not tell you is that you NEED to publish to find a tenure track job. NEEEEEDDDD!! I've been sending stuff out for years, but the last couple, I've buckled down. I think my work is good enough now, and my earlier stuff was still trying to find itself...and even the earlier stuff that was good, it was presented in the right way. There are tricks and little trades you need when submitting. I also didn't realize how much research it takes to submit. You have to read journals to know where you'll be accepted. And since last year, I've been reading and submitting based on what I've read. I've even (for the first time), simultaneousnessly submitting not only poems and prose, but books. My books are out there being considered, and yeah, probably all of it won't pan out, but I will continue to send out.
People tell me to submit to contests...I wish I had the money for that, 'cause it looks good on CVs if you've won awards and prizes. Well, when I can I will submit. I just hate my odds. So, I've been researching contests too. Maybe if I can make some extra money, I can submit to contests.
I have a story and a handful of poems coming out, not to mention a book that is still in the final stages of consideration (I haven't heard yet, but they are pitching to the executive board soon!!!)
I also have a lead on a possible press that would actually be a PERFECT FIT for To the Chapel of Light. We'll see though, we'll see.
I'll keep you guys and gals posted on any publications like this one...
I have a story coming out (thanks Ian) soon...
Later,
Joshua
Oh, and are you keeping up on our baby blog. I'll be blogging on both, but that will be reserved for family/baby/life stuff, while this will be about the arts/films/writing/teaching and shit like that.
1 comment:
I know why you REALLY would want a PhD...
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