I’ve got some news…

Writing isn’t easy.  I’m sure many people would agree with that statement, but it wasn’t until this year that I truly understood.  I’ve spent a lot of nights (and afternoons and early mornings) staring at a blank computer screen.  I was discouraged at first, but then realized the whole point of graduate school is to become better at what you’re already good at.  So here I am, with only a few weeks left, a little bit humbled and a lot more inspired.

My biggest challenge has been combining my “bloggy,” colloquial narration with specific, point-proving facts.  I think I tell good stories and I think I write good feature articles, but right now I’m trying to pull the two together without sounding whiny (ahem!)  Another lesson learned?  Not everyone has the same sense of humor.  And that’s okay.  I’ve been able to step back and see all of this from a very different perspective.

As challenging as this process has been, I do have a high hopes for the final product.  We are all good writers, but with such different personalities and skills, and I think the result of that will be something pretty special.

Writing Mania

I’m Emily. “Ginger Spice” (formally of the Spice Girls) summarized my persona quite nicely when she said, “I’m sure people see me as a screaming redhead with a big pair of boobs, but I’d like to think I’ve got things to say!” I guess I decided if I really wanted people to listen to me, I would have to be a writer.

Since I graduated from college in 2007 with a creative writing degree, I’ve submitted approximately one million stories, articles, and personal essays to every magazine and newspaper in the country. I don’t know why, but I STILL haven’t been published in the New York Times and my rejection letter drawer is overflowing. Basically, being on the staff of The Comment is my last chance.

But seriously, working with this group has already been an amazing experience. Every week, I have the privilege of spending time with young, smart people who love to write and understand the beauty and importance of the written word. We have a lot of great content coming your way.

We hope you come here often and comment away. We’re looking forward to sharing our takes on the process as we figure out how the heck to put together a magazine.