Today is my workshop.

I am both excited and nervous to receive feedback on the four poems I submitted for this workshop. I’m excited because these four poems represent a mode of experimentation for me, and they’re at the heart of my creative thesis. I’m nervous because workshop is always a little anxiety inducing, but also there’s a real vulnerability in these poems that I’ve had trouble tapping into with some of my other work. And it’s always difficult when your vulnerability is on display with the intention of being critiqued.

But at the same time, I feel like my poetry can dig even deeper than it is now and I need some guidance and input from other writers regarding the emotional resonance of my work. So rather than resist the input being offered, I intend to lean into it. That’s how we grow as writers. We must remain open to feedback, even when it’s difficult feedback to receive.

One exciting thing: I am a few hundred words ahead of my writing goal for the month. While my primarily writing goal is to write 50,000 words of poetry this year, I’m dividing it into monthly chunks so that I can keep better track of my progress and not overwhelm myself with how much farther I have to go. Writing in my last semester will likely ebb and flow since this semester is going to be pretty much packed full with assignments. So I’m also giving myself permission to fall behind on my 50,000 word goal. I’ll still be writing, it’ll just primarily take the form of revision.

Today feels quiet, but I’m reveling in it. I have a class at 10:00, and then my workshop is at 2:00pm. In between these things, I’ll be reading and writing and taking care of myself. I’m sending out love and light to you today.