So

May 22, 2010

How does time slip away so fast? I was just saying to my buddy Eduardo yesterday that days and weeks and months just fly by now that I’m a grown up. I remember being in junior high or high school and feeling as if the days and weeks dragged on. Now I wish they would slow down.

I’m inches away from being done with teaching for the semester. Final exams are next week and I have a table full of essays to grade but I’ll get through it. On the other side is a summer of writing, reading, and (unfortunately?) very little paid work/teaching. I’ll be running a once a week night Fiction Read & Critique at San Diego Writers, Ink starting in mid-June and I do the programming for the organization but that’s it as far as work. One of the worst summers I’ve ever had as far as finances but hopefully unemployment will not screw me over! I know I should also be happy for the time to write, too.

And, I’ve got my full fellowship at Summer Fishtrap Workshops and Gathering– in July. Cannot wait for this experience<–Look! I’m on their website! Look at the incredible other fellows! Look I’ll be working with Karen Fisher (I’m almost done with the masterful A Sudden Country) and meeting Gary Snyder!

So yes, lots of writing, but I’m also eager to do some reading this summer, some real reading.

On my list:

Tinkers, Paul Harding

Model Home, Eric Puchner

Falling to Heaven, Jeanne Peterson (she gave a reading at The Ink Spot– wonderful, wonderful)

Sunnyside, Glen David Gold

Oh, and did I mention I have two publications that have recently come out?

It All Changed in an Instant: More Six Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Oscure

I guess I’m one of the obscure writers; they didn’t even tell me I’d been accepted. I found out from someone else. Still, I’m happy they published mine–it’s a pretty good one (and if you know me you’ll understand why when you read it–it’s on pg. 91).

and

6S (Six Sentences), Vol. 3– Edited by Lydia Davis (LYDIA DAVIS!!!!)

This one I knew about–though I didn’t know Lydia Davis was a part of it. Very cool. My very-very short story (duh, it’s only Six Sentences) is called “July 24, 1985″ and is on pg 57.

And, speaking of writing… tomorrow is the Blazing Laptops Write-a-Thon, of which I am a participant. I’ll be writing for 9 hours–tapping away at my keyboard–to raise money for San Diego Writers, Ink–the nonprofit writing organization where I do the programming.

Anyone who pledges $10 or more (flat amount) gets a postcard handmade by yours truly.These will be brand new and each one uniquely made for each person who pledges.

You can pledge here: Rob’s Blazing Laptop Pledge Page

To see examples of my postcards check out my Flickr account to the right–>

Thanks for your support. Have a great week!