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Barrio Blues and Other Totally True Stories
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Getting My Poem Published and My Creative Writing Class Made!

8/6/2018

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Well, great news, the editor is publishing my poem.  I guess the poem I sent had some junk code in that file like, an @ symbol.  I have no idea how it got there.  That acceptance was a great start, and I am still trying to send one out a week and to write a poem a week too, which is a solid goal because it is forcing me to review poetry journals again. 

On another happy note, my Creative Writing class is running this summer.  The first day, I had students establish their writing schedule, and they all did a great job of crafting realistic schedules, including time to revise.  That, of course, had me reflect on my schedule. 

It has been difficult for me to stick to my daily writing routine this week.  Yesterday, for example, I did get up at 6a.m. but had to grade essays.  The essays were, fortunately, outstanding, so that work was fun.  With teaching, I find that I will have to stick to my morning schedule, somehow, but at least I am getting up consistently at 6a.m., which is half the battle.  I promised myself that I would give four hours a day to write on Saturday and Sunday and time to revise. 

In my class, we also talked to some extent about what motivates us to write.  It was a very interesting conversation, and I hope the illusion of fame and wealth isn't what brings them to the table.  I mean, that is a fantasy I clung to when I was younger, but now, I write because I love it.  I know I am in a fortunate position to have a full time job, and have my degrees in English, but still, I write because I have stories to tell, sometimes very insistent stories that won't shut up, like my novel.

This morning I wrote more of The Harvest and am at 291 pages.  The writing flowed, but I muted the arena battle with Dr. Harper because sporting events can be boring when the other team sucks. 

Well, this morning, I have to do an editing favor for a friend.  I am meeting with her at 10a.m. to go over a booklet she is putting together.  The funny thing is that in my head, we keep meeting at Starbucks, but the meeting is taking place at the parish office.  Fantasy versus reality, right? 

Keep writing and setting new goals.  As ever, shoot for the moon, even if you hit the lamp post.  #Resist


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    Dr. Jesú Estrada,
    Pen Name: 
    María J. Estrada
    Chicago, IL

    You can also follow me on Twitter @drmariajestrada. I give away a book to celebrate every 1,000 followers.

    *********************
    MARIA J. ESTRADA is an English college professor of Composition, Literature, and her favorite, Creative Writing. She grew up in the desert outside of Yuma, Arizona in the real Barrio de Los Locos, a barrio comprised of new Mexican immigrants and first-generation Chicanos. Drawing from this setting and experiences, she writes like a loca every minute she can—all while magically balancing her work and family obligations. She lives in Chicago’s south side with her wonderfully supportive husband, two remarkable children, and two mischievous cats.

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