10 Comments
User's avatar
Saif's avatar
Dec 1Edited

Wow. An MFA. There is an actual professional among us. Suddenly my writing feels so insignificant.

Your but about working it CPK, that always frustrated me. Why must our artists struggle. I hate it.

This was well written and thoughtfully structured. It was interesting to read your own journey and some of your early half-steps before writing your novel.

Some of us are lucky to find wild success in our first act, as your school mates did. I think most of us do it in our second act. For me that’s turning out to be mid life.

Kate's avatar

Thank you so much! To be fair, the MFA program I attended wasn't exactly that prestigious; it mostly known for being an art school and I think they tacked on the writing program as an afterthought. But it was a good experience.

As far as my classmates' success, I think they genuinely committed to their art and took it seriously, whereas I did not in those early years after graduation (mainly due to not really believing I could support myself writing fiction; even copywriting felt like a "safer" choice). For a long time I beat myself up for that. But I've realized there's no use in that, and I've grown a lot as a writer anyway so it's probably for the best. All I can do is move forward.

And I totally believe in the "second act!" Many people I respect achieved their biggest successes in mid life, and I know that's possible for me too. It's never too late :)

Saif's avatar

Well I’m glad you’re here writing Kate. And it’s been fun reading and connecting with you.

Kate's avatar

Thank you! Likewise :)

Sheryl Suraj's avatar

So inspiring!! 😍🤩✨

Kate's avatar

Thank you so much, Sheryl!

Noor Ul Ain's avatar

Very well-written! ❤️

Kate's avatar

Thank you!

Conner Kees | Mirror Mystic's avatar

You're a fantastic writer Kate.

Kate's avatar

Thank you so much, Conner! You as well :)