Thursday, August 20, 2009

New York, How I Love Thee

Yes, it's true. I love New York. I love Syracuse. The streets are lines with greenery, flowers abound, the neighbors are kind and interesting, and we have a large porch that I can sit on and write late into the evening (with a massing number of mosquitos).

We are not yet unpacked, but things are getting situated. Jim is nearly ready to start school, and Elizabeth is excited about starting preschool. Henry is just excited to be alive (plus, he's taking steps now, and believes he should be walking already). I am settling down and getting ready to start writing FOR REAL. I've got to finish this first draft or else!

Tonight was my first night back at work. I made myself some coffee, escaped to the front porch with my laptop, a bowl of mint ice cream, and a notebook, and sketched out plot ideas. I couldn't get right back into the story at first, since it had been ages since I'd taken a peek, but I was able to wrap my mind about it a little. No actual writing was completed tonight, but I'm getting ready to jump back into that soon. SOON.

I'm also thinking about applying for Syracuse University's MFA in Creative Writing program for next year. If I got accepted, I think it includes a TA position, which would mean a small stipend and a waiving of tuition, so it'd be like making a tiny salary while getting my MFA. Better than working at Starbucks to help out with our bills, right? Mostly, I just might learn a little bit more about writing. Maybe. But I'm a little apprehensive---what if they're too high-brow? What if they're too literary? My writing style is a bit literary, but it's not snooty (I hope). I do, afterall, want to get gasp! published.

Ok. The mosquitos are taking over the porch. I must retreat now or find myself a blood donor.

6 comments:

Corey Schwartz said...

Oh, Amber. Glad to hear that you are happy there and that you are back to writing (and blogging!)

Kelly Polark said...

Enjoy this new chapter in your life in NY. Congrats on getting back into the writing swing of things.

Paul Michael Murphy said...

Good luck with the restart.

Amber Lough said...

You are all so nice. :-) I can't believe anyone comes by and reads my blog anymore, considering my lack of attention to it. I will have to get the ball rolling again. And that means pictures. And mixed media. And something funny.

KA said...

Congratulations on your move. It's always hard to get back into a manuscript when you've been away for a while, but on the other hand, it gives you a new perspective on it when your head isn't stuck in it every day.
Good luck with the MFA. I hope you can find a way to make it work for you.

Stephanie J. Blake said...

I'm glad you are happy. My inlaws are in Fulton, and we fly into Syracuse to get there. It is lovely there by the finger lakes.

Stephanie