It Ain't for Everybody

A lot has happened. I have acquired a reading venue, designed an audition flyer, written an email encouraging friends and WR contributors to read at the show. The show is scheduled for August 5th. I emailed CW about reading his man poems. I have musician CC set to perform. I still need a PA. I have read numerous submissions, none that can be used without revision.

I took out a Call for Submissions ad in Poets and Writers to run Sept-Dec 2009. We’ll see what that lands us. I have joined several writer/publisher groups, passed hundreds of emails between myself and my interns. I plan on meeting with G Wed or Thurs for dinner at the venue to discuss staging, PA, set ect. I called the venue’s owner. He may meet with us. I wrote templates for WR correspondence to ensure uniformity and professionalism.

Still working on my capstone proposal which is difficult when I’m already doing most of what I’m proposing. I get out of breath just writing about all of this.

I suppose one of the most important questions that you must ask yourself when beginning a magazine is, “How much time are you willing to devote to it?” It had better be a lot and you’d better love it because it’s hard, a time vampire and often thankless. “Are OK with promoting other writers while your own work waits on the sidelines?” Ouch! I am struggling with that one, seriously struggling.

Oh I wrote my intern evaluations today. Hint to those who follow in my footsteps GOOD INTERNS DESERVE GOOD EVALUATIONS. Look word travels fast, don’t suck these folks dry and then leave them twisting. Take your time, really think about what they did for you and the fact that they did it for the opportunity, the learning experience, and then add to it their other paying job, other classes, and oh my God do they get to have a social or family life. Do them a solid and next time around, you’ll get some interns just as excellent as ones I had because others will want to work with you.

On a personal note while all this was going on I was providing hospice care for my dying Grandmother in another state. Yeah… so the rest of you don’t be a bunch of woosies. I don’t want to hear it’s too hard or I don’t have the time. No…you just don’t want it bad enough. Man up_ the writing life ain’t for the meek or the weak.