Midway

We - meaning my cohort and I - are at or near the midpoint of our final semester of Year One—the class of 2023 graduates in May. We, the class of 2024, assemble at King's in June for the beginning of Year Two. It's odd to think we'll be the "old-timers" providing support and advice to the incoming first years.

I can't say it hasn't been gruelling-intensive residencies, pitching to New York editors and agents, learning the ins and outs of book proposals, self-promotion, and producing 30,000 words plus on the manuscript. Self-doubt, discouragement (my own), confusion and fear of failure ran neck and neck. But now, nearing the end of this first year, I think I've found my footing. I can't say that I'm more confident in writing - an insane sense of perfection and an ingrained need to be the best - but I feel a bit more comfortable. Besides, after delivering pitches to the New York publishing gang, anything feels easier whether it is or not.