I was ecstatic when the director of my MFA program, Rene Steinke, emailed to ask if I’d be willing to sit on a lit mag panel during the Alumni residency this past August. I had always dreamed of going back to good old Fairleigh Dickinson University and sharing what I learned in the writing and publishing world, though I knew I’d have to serve my time.
I had a great time meeting new MFA candidates and even fellow colleagues who had graduated after me. One of the highlights was getting to hear the book editor of O Magazine, Leigh Newman, talk about writing and publishing book reviews. I learned a lot in a workshop on writing voice in YA led by Donna Freitas. I also got to catch up with writing friends like Lynette Renda, Heather Lang and Letisia Cruz.
I spent a good deal of time wandering around the campus that I once called an enchanted forest. I missed my sisters, Pam and Marquita, who I met in the program and who are now my critique partners, business partners and close friends. Being back there reminded me about how much magic that place holds. It’s good to know that some things never change, and even if I can’t make it there every year, at least I know FDU will always be waiting with open arms.
