Time is On My Side! (Yes it is)

Sorry I've been away for a while, but I've managed to complete my fifth semester at City College in grand style. Now that I've got more time I can return my focus to working on a few projects. As of today, the second edition of Falling Down is now complete. My copy editor has given the thumbs up on my last submission, with some edits here and there on his own. My graphic artist has completed a strikingly beautiful cover. As for Mystery, Malevolence & Murder - Vol One, I've nearly completed my edits and will send that to the copy editor once they're done. The cover should be done soon as well.

As for school, 2011 will be the year I finish my Master's degree. I'm starting this year with a bit of sadness. I've really enjoyed my time at City College. For someone who didn't have a bachelor's degree back in 2006 to be looking at an MFA by the end of 2011 is really something. I've had a lot of hustle in me for the last four, going on five, years and my MFA will be the crown jewel of all my hard work. If you would've told me years ago that I would be in this position I probably wouldn't have believed you. But through the support of so many wonderful people who believed I could do it, I doubt if any of this would be possible. City College is such an underrated place. It's recognized as a great school, but I don't think it quite gets the respect it does. I subscribe to Poets and Writers Magazine and for the last two years they've done a ranking on the top MFA schools. In last year's edition CCNY finished 94th or 95th in the top 100. The latest P&W only did the top 50 and we didn't place. These rankings have been criticized heavily by magazines like The Writer's Chronicle and members of writing faculties across the country because it appears biased and incomplete. That's why I feel City is underrated. Every class has been chock full of talented writers who bring real live perspectives to their work. Many of us have careers that we tend to everyday and we bring that gift into our school and breathe life into it with each stroke of the keys. I've seen a lot of good people in my classes, all of whom could be very successful, and I feel blessed to be in their presence - learning and listening to them share such wonderful works of art. My last class in particular had several talented writers and I hope and wish the absolute best for all of them. While I'm looking forward to graduating next year, I will miss seeing them, as well as the beautiful campus of CCNY, which has become almost a home away from home for me.

I'll make sure I enjoy the remaining time I have. Meanwhile, it's back to work - writing, designing and managing my time so I can make my own way. One day at a time.

db

The Guide: AWP's 2011 Ranking of MFA Programs

The Guide: AWP's 2011 Ranking of MFA Programs

I mentioned AWP Writer's Chronicle Magazine in a recent post. If you're interested in MA/MFA Writing Programs I think it bears your consideration.

Dave