am i insane?: punishing myself through craft
why am i doing this to myself
So, for those who are unaware: I am currently in grad school part time, and I most likely will be dropping the program if I get into another program that feels more suited to my interests. I really thought I was going to become a clinical therapist who writes on the side to build up legitimacy for my one true love (writing.)
And then the universe kicked me in the ass, shoved writing workshops in my face and told me to face myself--to lean into my fate, to accept that I should be a writer, full-stop. It feels strange straddling these two worlds: social work and creative writing. Though I feel I'd get more done with a structured program, I've fashioned myself a DIY MFA through the sheer amount of opportunities I apply for. It's actually a little annoying because, yet again, as a reformed people-pleaser who possesses a blessed neurodivergent brain--I don't have the capacity to say yes to everything I end up getting. (To be honest, I get excited about every opportunity and then realize that my capacity is limited, and I need to focus on the activities that fuel my passions while balancing the care work aspects.)
so what are you taking?
Inspired by a fellow McCormack Writing Center attendee, Shantell, I've decided to take you through my DIY MFA curriculum for the Spring 2026 semester.
- Kenyon Review Writer's Workshop - Online
- This is a six week online workshop. I'm in the Fiction cohort facilitated by Farah Ali, Gina Chung and Matt Bell. This is a generative fiction cohort, where we focus on creating new work. (I've been lucky enough to make it past some writer's block to work on The Jonathans, a project I've been writing around)
- McCormack Writing Center Workshop - Winter Online 2026
- I'm a big fan of MWC, formerly known as Tin House. I'm in a fiction workshop with K-Ming Chang as facilitator. One of my friends/former co-writers is in the space with me and I'm so stoked to be part of one of my favourite communities of writers. I've never felt more affirmed than being part of MWC.
- Writing Co-Lab- Speculative CNF with Jami Nakamura-Lin
- I went to Jami's MWC seminar about writing strategies for people with neurodivergence. It impressed me so much that I decided to take her CNF class. While CNF is my genre of choice (I have the most publications in this genre, and I default to this,) I'm tired of traditional approaches and frameworks, and wanted to steer more into the speculative. (My north star for my spec memoir is Jami's book, The Night Parade, and also T Kira Madden's Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls)
- Continued 1:1 Mentorship with my mentor/friend/sensei/teacher
- Most invaluable person on my DIY MFA list. I've appreciated all the beautiful advice she's given me over the last six months we've worked together. (Almost, I think?) She truly believes in me and has vouched for me on multiple occassions. I am appreciative of her connections and her (what I describe as "almost delusional") belief in my abilities and skills.
wait, aren't you doing editorial work too?
Yep! I'll be soliciting your creative non-fiction submissions for Blood Tree Literature. If you need a fee waiver, just ask. We nominate for prizes including Best of the Net, The Pushcart Prize, etc.
I'm also Anodyne Magazine's Community Curator! Come check us out, and submit to our wonderful publication. If you become a contributor, you'll join our community and can give workshops, etc.
ICYMI
My first publication of the year, The Architects of Almost was released with The Seventh Wave as part of their Community Anthologies collection. Much love to Naomi, my editor, for all of your trust with this piece, and grateful for helping me shape this former Modern Love submission into something truer to the work I want to write.
More great news coming eventually. :') I can't announce it yet, but I will once it's public!
Stay warm out there.
All my love,
C
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