my backup plan

[zenithblue]

So initially, when I got my grad school applications in, I was too tired/bitter/frustrated to care about the outcome. But a month later, well-slept and recovered, I'm starting to get anxious about replies. Not frantic or anything, but eager to hear the results so I can then plan for the next several months.

There is a possibility that I won't get in...I'm not being self-deprecating, but these are selective programs with subjective panels. It could happen that my work doesn't resonate with the readers, or that they hate magical realism, or that they hate characters named Peter, or that they had indigestion when they read my story, or what have you. So here is my backup plan.

1) Burn rejections with fire.
2) Drink for a few days in my underwear and most expensive jewelry (retail value: $30). Note to self: Elizabeth Taylor wig?
3) Plan trip to Europe.
4) Work on establishing a freelance clientele, maybe copywriting or something.
5) Find twenty hour clerk position at regular branch, for some security whilst freelancing.
6) Look into purchasing home with Hodge, somewhere in Portland if we're lucky and suddenly miraculously rich.

That is all.

Comments

[musashi270.livejournal.com]

Well, as long as you do not change the order to where 1 comes after 2 I think you will be all right. That way could get tricky.

[mysticorangutan.livejournal.com]

If number 4 comes to be a possibility, I recommend a book called The Well-Fed Writer by Peter...Frampton? Not Peter Frampton. Bowerman. Peter Bowerman. Very good book for those wishing to start a copywriting business even part-time. Of course, be honest with yourself about how much you really want to do it. I wasn't, and had a difficult time sustaining my interest.

[sliding-doors.livejournal.com]

dude. i say do everything.

Elizabeth Taylor wig is a must

[decemberthirty.livejournal.com]

I hope I didn't contribute to your anxiety with the tale of my strange phone call from Penn State. In any case, I'm right there with you. My backup plan goes something like this:

1. Quit my job.
2. Quit my job.
3. Quit my job.
4. QUIT MY FUCKING JOB ALREADY!
5. Figure out what the hell to do next.