I've been killing time by frequenting a few MFA message board while the two MFA programs I applied to string me along. After reading some of the comments of people who have already been admitted to programs, it makes me wonder if I might not be better off if I don't get in anywhere. Such a large concentration of Cunty McCuntersons and blithering idiots would be hard to find in other places. Not that everyone is an irritating fuck, but I'm shocked by how many are. If I do get in somewhere, I hope I am not forced to slash any throats to save my sanity.
Seriously, though, back in late February, when people heard from both programs I applied to and I did not, I hoped that my silent bad news would just become real bad news so I could move on. Opening my mailbox and finding my rejection letter would've been a relief. Now that this has dragged on, I feel like a rejection would suck that much more since I've been waiting so long at this point. I dread the (inevitable?) rejection, and prefer the limbo status.
If time heals all wounds, it also allows anxiety to fester.
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You crack me up.Suebob
ReplyDeleteHum. I understand your anxiety. I am becoming convinced that the system is completely breaking down, because it seems like ALL my mail is missing! Except today I found the check I thought I mailed months ago, which is why I never got the item I thought I requested.
ReplyDeleteSo, maybe you forgot to submit your application? Okay, I know you didn't, I read the frustrated posts saying as much. You and I, both waiting by the mailbox.
Hopefully, I crack you up as much as Suebob and my mom while we wait by the mailbox. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's the truth! When I was waiting to hear back from vet school I suffered from mailbox phobia.
ReplyDeleteTo clarify - it is not your anxiety but your use of the term "Cunty McCunterson" that made me laugh. My sympathies on the stress.
ReplyDeleteI work with all men, so I don't often have to deal with Cunty McCuntersons *ROFL*. Thought, I do deal with more than one Mr. Asshat-ersons (I tried to type it right it it looked at Ass-hater-son, which is also sort of appropriate, but not quite my intention.)
ReplyDeleteI hate the wait. I hate the wait for you. I hope it ends soon.
I also found Cunty McCunterson to be amusing. And if you need to go on a shooting spree, I understand.
ReplyDeleteDon't despair! While it's not a great sign that you haven't heard, when I got in to the one (and only) MFA program I applied to, the letter didn't arrive until AFTER I'd called to ask the status, been accepted, visited, returned home, and been verbally offered a TAship. Things don't always work in the linear fashion we expect.
ReplyDeleteAlso, MFA's do contain a lot of dumbasses, because let's face it, writer's aren't people persons (or vice versa?). They aren't necessarily smart, either. Or good writers, for that matter. If you get in and attend, try not focuso on the people, it's all about your own growth as a writer. And yes, MFA's involve workshops and feedback, but ultimately, those don't matter, either. Then again, neither do rejection slips.
Yeah, writing is the worst profession ever, after the restaurant industry.
PS. (Last comment, I SWEAR!) Also keep in mind that blogs get no street cred. in the literary world (which, as a minor blogger I can't help but agree with, I admit, eeek). Neither do non-literary non-fiction books. Your book undoubtedly kicks ass, but I guarantee it will earn you zero brownie points in MFA circles, unfortunately. :(
ReplyDeleteGoddamn literary types! (I can say that because I am one...)
Hey Suebob, I myself have been cackling maniacally at "Cunty McCunterson" since the two words first entered my head yesterday afternoon. I knew that was what you meant, and appreciate that you appreciated it as much as I appreciate everyone's kind words about my situation. No Cunty McCuntersons hanging around here!
ReplyDeleteAmy, leave as many comments as you like. The insights are excellent. Although I have to say, the book is much more narrative focused than the average travel guide - it's a bizarre cross between a travelogue and guide, as each entry is all about what happened when I went to that place. Not that it matters to those judgmental MFA McCuntersons. (They probably don't like that term, either.) :) But I'm just saying...
ReplyDeleteHeh, heh. Yeah, I figured your book is well beyond a Fodor's or something more omniscient and consumer-oriented - very cool to know (and I look forward to reading it!). Nonetheless, MFAer's can be insane literary types who find anything short of Shakespeare and insult to the trade - just wanted to warn you. What's really funny about these people is that they are often the WORST writers; so while their elitism is annoying, it's also pretty fucking amusing. People in my program loved to bash Jewel's book of poetry because it's terrible, of course, but was also the highest grossing book of poetry of like, all time. While this is hardly an achievement seeing as no one in their right mind reads poetry except poets, thus none of it sells, it was particularly funny hearing them bash her when their poems were just as bad as hers, if not worse! Your hatred of people will find wonderful fodder in these circles. Of course, who ever said writers were nice people...:)
ReplyDeletei feel your pain. when i applied to med school, i was on 3 wait lists and got accepted to one place(that i hated) about a week before graduating from college. my back up plan if i didn't get in was to get a big truck, dog, and gun, and do crosscountry trucking for a living... don't ask, but these insane thoughts made me feel better. anyway, eventually i got into the place i ended up going to, a few weeks after college graduation. i think i was visiting you in chicago at the time... good luck.
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