I am Applying To University Again For 2008 May Give Up Writing
I finally decided that I’m going to apply to university and work towards a second degree. One thing is for sure I’m definitely not making the same mistake twice. Why did I get a B.A. degree in history? I am so stupid!!! What was I thinking at the time? I think the first time around I just wanted to graduate and get the hell out of York University LOL!
I just wanted a B.A. degree and that’s definitely not the right way to think but that’s the truth. I don’t want to be a teacher. I can’t tolerate dealing with thirty brats screaming and yelling while I was trying to conduct a lesson. A B.A. in history is basically useless. I’m definitely going to apply to a journalism program but I’m also interested in screenwriting, theatre, and film. Maybe I can also take a creative writing course too? I think I’m going to make at least four choices this time around instead of the standard three. Maybe I will make five choices.
The competition I am sure will be fierce but I’ve got to try. I wonder if I can apply as a mature student even though I already have a B.A.? I am doing something wrong my life is not perfect? All I know is I will not make the same mistake I made the first time around. Time is running out. I’m not getting any younger. I need an edge. Its obvious I am lacking something but what? What am I doing wrong? Why haven’t I gotten a second book published by now? I must be doing something incorrectly? But what? I’ve got to think about this a bit more. I have tried, and tried, and I am tired of trying!!!!
How do I make myself stand out? And writing maybe I should just give it up? Its so frustrating right now rejection after rejection. I think I am going to scream!!! I know I’m not supposed to bitch and complain but I’m going to anyway right now. I really wanted to do that reading at the University of Toronto yesterday. I was so excited about it. I was going to read some selections from “You Don’t Know Me” and also some new poetry. Maybe I should give up writing poetry? It is so frustrating to get poetry published and all these literary journals seem to think poets and writers have deep pockets? It costs a lot of money to send S.A.S.E. and pay for all that damn postage! Nobody seems to accept e-mail submissions anymore either!
Gayblackcanada 
Orville, I just want to congratulate you on this monumentuous decision. I know it is going 2 work out 4 you!
Do you want to do more theatrical/literary writing or magazine journalism? What kind of magazines do you read? Which ones would you like to write for or are you more interested in doing literature?
Hello Aulelia, how are you? I just think the B.A. in history I have is basically like hitting a dead wall. The second time around I definitely am going to make sure I apply to several different programs. I am interested in journalism, media studies, film, screenwriting, theatre. I might apply to all of them! All I know is I have to do something I am passionate about and I am not passionate about history and I don’t want to be a history teacher.
The deadline to apply is coming up Jan/Feb 2008 but I am making sure I apply very soon. I know it will be competitive but I think I have to try just for myself. I mean how hard can it hurt just to apply? I definitely have to try.
I think I need another degree because the first one isn’t giving me the pay off that I expected. I am over my reservations about being “too old” to return back to school. I don’t care anymore I need a career. I tried to find “writing work” here in Toronto and I am through with that.
What kind of magazines I read? Well you know I am gay so….Ha ha! Okay, I will be honest yes I do read Essence Magazine. Yes, I know Essence is a black woman’s magazine but I do admit I do read it from time to time. I also read Ebony magazine, and I do read Entertainment Weekly every now and then. Sometimes, I read The New Yorker, I try to stay away from the trashy supermarket tabloids because they were polutting my mind. LOL! I have been reading online the British newspaper Guardian, The Times, Irish Times,. I also read the Australian newpspaers THE AGE, The Sydney Morning Herald. I sometimes read South African newspapers, and I read the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, NY TIMES, LA TIMES, Boston Globe, Seattle TImes, Village Voice, NPR radio.
Hello Aulelia have you ever heard of “Honey Magazine”? I know “Honey is out of business but I got an article “Thugs In the Closet” published by Honey five years ago.
I actually have written a fiction manuscript a few years ago that I constantly procrastinate about “getting edited”. I think that’s the big issue I have with myself is that I always say I am going to do something and then I NEVER DO IT. And that’s the truth about my flaws and faults I can totally admit that now. Its true! At least now I am cognizant of my flaws. I’ve got to try to do something here and make something out of my life.
Although I tend to write a lot more non fiction although I did get a short story published a few years ago in an African American literary journal. I have also finished a non fiction manuscript that I’m shopping around. If I have to look to the UK to get this non fiction manuscript published I will. The world is an oyster as the saying goes.
Orville, you sound like such an accomplished writer!! I am so jealous. I want to be a writer. Do you have any tips or ideas on how to break in? What are your views on black writers writing about only black/ethnic issues? Do you think we should be general?
I used to read Honey! It would be on the newsagents in Britain as an import. Wow, you have done loads!
Do you think as a writer it is easy to get lazy about editing? I do. I know it sounds bad but I can get so lazy about editing things I write whether it is blog posts, comments (lol) or articles I want to be published.
The feeling of being published for people who want to write is unlike anything. Especially as black people, I think we have had our voice robbed and suppressed so it is so important that it is put out there.
Have you ever pitched to ESSENCE? I read a lot of US magazines, just because they tend to have more black issues in their pages than the UK ones. ESSENCE is okay but doesn’t seem like its a mag that likes to take chance in the features it has. It doesn’t have anything storywise that catches my eye that much but I still get it. A loyalty thing? Maybe!
Aulelia, honestly I am not that accomplished a writer I’m just determined. I definitely think you should search for markets EVERYWHERE don’t just “focus” on just “black magazines.” Actually magazines are tough to get into but do indeed try. Also, I just wanted to say I’ve only had ONE BOOK PUBLISHED that’s it. Let me tell you I get REJECTED ALL THE TIME. I will not lie to you about that. I also haven’t had a story published in FIVE MONTHS since June 2007. I will not lie to you I DO GET REJECTED. ITS FRUSTRATING but I DON’T GIVE UP. I think that’s the key. I am constantly trying to think about new things tryingh to diversify my writing. Now I’m thinking I want to write some more book reviews.
Aulelia there are so many MAGAZINES, BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS IN THE UK you actually live in a very good market. But don’t just think about the UK think about the English language speaking world. My article “Shades of Blackface” not ONE North American newspaper was interested in it. So I said to myself I am pitching it to the New Zealand Herald and presto! It got published!
I think the key is just to THINK ABOUT THE MARKET, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY AND TARGET YOUR MARKET. You have the internet you don’t even have to PAY to submit your work. The internet is amazing. You simply go to google put in the search engine “women’s magazines” or whatever and you will find tons of places to send your work to.
I do have a tip try to get non fiction work published first I feel that’s easier just my opinion. Try to see if you can get published in newspapers. I am sure in the UK there are tons of newspapers, literary journals, magazines you can get your work into. Just look at the periodicals that you enjoy reading and check out their ” Contact Us” section. Look to see “exactly” what kinds of “topics” or “issues” that the magazine, newspaper, journals tends to publish.
I notice you like reading a lot of women’s magazines well you are in luck!!! A lot of women’s magazines are looking for new writers. All you got to do is go to the website, search for the “contact us” or “about us” section and find the editors. And if worse comes to worse CALL the magazines you want to get into.
I’ve only had one book published “You Don’t Know Me” and it was just a collection of poetry. I am very frustrated writer right now! LOL! I just feel like I should of accomplished so much more! I feel like I am in the wrong country! LOL! I am honest! I go to these American journalism sites and its this damn catch 22 they only deal with American citizens and since I’m Canadian I am out of luck.
I tried getting published in Essence a gazillion times and never got in doesn’t mean I won’t stop trying though because they do have a section in their magazine for black men. Magazines are tough to break into though I’m not going to lie to you because they tend to have a lead time of a few months for each issue. I suggest do try magazines of course, but also try NEWSPAPERS that’s a great way to break in because news changes EVERY SINGLE DAY. Think about what is hot, or interesting. Also, the cool thing about writing is you can write about WHATEVER you want. If you want to write a concert review search for music magazines, if you want to write a book review search for book magazines or newspapers. If you want to write about fashion, beauty. How about the issue you had about your hair? I am sure, some women’s magazines or newspapers would be interested in that issue?
Also, wanted to add that don’t just “submit” your work to one publication because that one publication could TAKE FOREVER TO REPLY. I suggest sending out MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS. Also, if you have a University student newspaper try getting into that? Also, I heard in the UK the Arts Council is very GENEROUS they give out TONS OF FREE MONEY in terms of grants for writers why don’t you check that out? I am kind of jealous because in the UK arts is taken VERY SERIOUSLY. I think in London or even for the entire UK there is a very generous grant system check it out!
Orville, thanks for your wealth of information!
1) How did it feel to have your first book published? I think that is such an accomplishment. I have heard how impossible it is to get a book written, let alone published!
2) I find it incredible that not one North American paper would have been interested in the shades of blackface article! It was very good and spit the truth about that Jolie fiasco! What you said there about New Zealand and Australian market has really opened my eyes. I never thought about that at all.
Thanks!
3) I do like reading women’s magazines, I will take your advice there. So far, I have been published in a feminist magazine and an online literary journal. I am proud of both writing examples but I am trying to broaden my options. Also, you make a really good point about the arts council in UK, they do give grants. I completely spaced about that.
4) Do you think as a writer, the writer should be general and write about bare things or be specialised and formulate one or 2 topics to write about? I just want to write for pay now. My current writing samples, I wrote for free cos I am trying to build my portfolio but lol, I want to get paid!
1) Aulelia thanks for listening to my info I really appreciate it. I didn’t really feel like I was published “until” I had a copy of “You Don’t Know Me” in my hands! I felt so happy I almost cried! It was a very special moment for me because it also was legitimate! It sucks that “You Don’t Know Me” is currently out of print but I NEVER GIVE UP. I also have indeed checked out various library websites in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada people have been reading my book. I find this surprising because it was just a collection of poetry.
Did I tell you Aulelia that there are SO MANY Women’s Press publishers out there? Have you thought about writing a book a collection of poetry or a novel? I think plenty of feminist publishers would interested in hearing from you? Research the internet look for the feminist publishing house and send in a proposal?
I definitely think you will LOVE BEING PUBLIHSED IN PRINT. There is nothing more satisfying then to READ to TOUCH, TO HOLD, YOUR WORK that was published in PRINT its an amazing FEELING. You look a the byline and see YOUR NAME. Its a very special feeling. I definitely think you got to try to get published in print. You have so many AMAZIING TOPICS on your blog why don’t you just expand on that? Like the thing about having an Afro? Girlfriend I see a STORY RIGHT THERE ABOUT THAT!!!!!! Remember when you were saying Essence Magazine has so many black women with straight hair in the publication? And so many adverisements about black women with straight hair and not Afros and natural hair? I mean that’s a very good article idea for you RIGHT THERE! LOL!
I have no doubt that you are and will continue to be a successful writer! I think a writer should write about anything that interests him or her? I do believe though that “diversity” in writing is so important. I’ve written book reviews, I had a radio documentary broadcast on the CBC “The Good Son” this year. I have written a theatre review once. I am constantly trying to “expand” myself and my writing. I think that’s the beauty of writing that YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. I’m trying to get a second poetry book published I am really trying very hard but its tough I won’t lie. The interesting thing Aulelia is when I go on the internet I can check various libraries across the world and I can “see” that my book “You Don’t Know Me” is “checked out” by someone that makes me feel real good! I pushes me to try HARDER!
2) Yes girlfriend, it is definitely about getting paid LOL! You should be getting paid you’re an amazing writer! I was thinking have you thought about newspapers? I first got my work published in newspapers first? Why don’t you check up on websites for newspapers you would like to write for? Go to the “contact us” section look for the editors. If you cannot find the e-mail addresses of the editors CALL THE NEWSPAPER DIRECTLY. I have done this before and YES it works and YES you can get published this way its all about taking the initiative! If the newspaper is “legit” you WILL GET PAID.
3) Its true about the “Shades of Blackface” story I pitched it everywhere in the USA and they didn’t want it. So I said to myself the English language world is bigger then the USA and then I found a market and GOT the article published! Its all about thinking “outside of the box.” And remember the Washington Post writer Teresa Wiltz she had a similar piece published two weeks AFTER my article was published back in June. The Lawyer for the Washington Post ADMITTED that the Arts department for the paper RECEIVED by submission when I was pitching. I LEARNED my LESSON. I think PRIOR to sending in the actual “article” just send in an e-mail “query” about your PITCH SUIBMISSION. Its obvious to me that the Washington Post writer “lifted” she clearly copied some of my ideas. If you look at my article “Shades Of Blackface” that was published by the New Zealand Herald you will see that my article was published FIRST and she copied my ideas!
4)The women’s magazines is a great way to get published! I really think you will get published in some of those women’s magazines because there are so many of them to choose from!
5) You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LUCKY to be living in England. I heard the UK Arts Councils are VERY GENEROUS! I live in the Toronto area and let me tell you I have NOT received a grant yet! Yes I have tried and tried and tried. I know I have the experience but there is a lot of red tape and a lot of BS going on that’s for sure. I see people with A LOT LESS experience then me getting writing grants. In England I hear the grants are REALLY AMAZING so much opportunities in England they really understand the IMPORTANCE of the ARTS. Canada doesn’t place that much emphasis on the arts as England that’s for sure!
You’re a great writer. Do not give up writing!
Congrats on going back to school.
aulelia- A writer is one that is practiced, not published. Practice writing every day.
Aint nothing wrong with second guessing and questioning your choices. I think it’s a great sign of maturity that you are examining your life and trying to determine your path. I applaud this. When all is said and done, you’ll end up somewhere not cuz you ended up there, but because it’s where you’re supposed to be.
We all have to examine our strenghts and weaknesses and such.
Your post hit me cuz I have similaries. I have a BS Degree in speech communication. Like history or english, it’s essentially useless unless you pursue graduate study. I’ve never used my degree.
As for writing, I really enjoy it. I think that blogging may be the best vehicle for me. I wrote a script that received a tiny bit of industry recognition. It never sold. I stopped marketing it some time ago. I wrote a book but it’s collecting dust cuz I don’t wanna market it.
So here I am, blogging. I like it.
But I am going to revisit screenwriting. Just not now. It’s complex and takes a looooooooot of time. Good luck, Orville and I’m glad you’re going back to school.
At least you’re asking yourself questions.
Lotsa peole don’t.
@ blink
I like that quote. 🙂
Orville, your advice on my blog post about black love was really good. I got an article commissioned just recently — it was for a trade website but this thread really helped me to not be nervous and just go for it!! Thanks for the encouragement 🙂
TheBlackActor.com, what is difficult about screenwriting? What do you thinks makes a good screenplay? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Bink — thanks for the advice!
Aulelia, its great to see how things are working out for you! You are really inspiring and your determination and drive is amazing! You got two internships and now you’re writing an article this is so cool! Congrats!
I hope whenever you have a free moment or when you are ready you can write the article about this “invisible code” about interracial dating in the UK. I would loooooove to read that article when you write it!
Truth be told in Toronto I do see some black straight men with white women. However, I notice I don’t see black straight men with other women of colour? I also notice I don’t see many white women with men of colour although I do see it from time to time.