So for those of you who may not know, I work as a mentor with graduate students in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction program. I've been doing this for over two years now and it is a very rewarding experience.
This past week, I have been in Greensburg, PA, attending the program's bi-annual residency. It is a busy, fun-filled and sometimes overwhelming five days of workshops, lectures, conversation and dubious cafeteria food. I always have a wonderful time, and this time is no exception. Even more than a convention, this is an experience of being surrounded by people who are enthusiastic about writing, and because it is multi-genre, the cross-section of perspectives is particularly energizing.
Three students I have mentored are graduating today, and one student who I did not mentor, but whose manuscript I evaluated, is also graduating. A big shout out to Nu, Erica, Nicole and Amanda, and to all of the graduates who have worked so hard to achieve their degrees. You should all be very proud of your accomplishment, as I am to have worked with you.
Alumni from the program also have a retreat here this weekend and one of the agents who attended told me that the pitches she has heard here stand out from what she has experienced at other conferences in their professionalism and sophistication. This didn't surprise me, but it is nice to have outside confirmation about what a great program we have.
It's always hard to say goodbye to students who are leaving the program. But I am also looking forward to meeting and working with the new students who are just getting started. I hope everyone has had a good residency, and again, to those of you graduating today, my warmest congratulations.
Awwww, I miss Seton Hill!
Posted by: Steven Harper Piziks | June 29, 2009 at 12:11 AM