Day Five in Boston - Cock and Kenan

I had my official workshop - for the actual text - today and it went very well.  We looked at my piece as well as several others.  At the end of the workshop they give you back their copy of your story and you can look over their notes and questions at your leisure.  Well, after lunch and a class on archetypes (fabulous, by the way), I did just that.  Some comments and 'smiling faces' made me blush and then I came across my 'Solstice Buddy's copy and she'd not only underlined and numbered every sexual innuendo and inference in the piece, she also circled the word 'cock' and wrote, 'I so wasn't ready for that!'  Apparently the cock came off a bit strong, but isn't that the nature of the beast?  It made me giggle.  I also enjoyed that she could already envision a vampiric feeding scene taking place during a blow job.  Yes, I'd say my work here is done, but it's only just started.

The grad student readings were wonderful and exciting and the faculty readings were the best yet.  All three faculty members had pieces that were humorous and touching.  Randall Kenan's reading of his new piece was particularly fantastic.  I definitely want this man as my mentor at some point. No, not want.  Need.  He's just pure win.  Many of the faculty here are pure win and I feel particularly spoiled to be able to talk with them on a daily basis during the residency.  You can read a bit more about him and see a great profile pic on Goodreads.

Tonight I'm working on a variety of things to prepare for the next section of workshops as well as for Randall's class on Magical Realism.  I have a Starbuck's date with Marilyn and Jennifer tomorrow and while I adore the campus, I'm super stoked to leave it for just a little while.  Also it looks as though I won't be spending my last night at the airport as I've been invited to stay with my Solstice Buddy for the night and then head out to Logan the next day.  I cannot thank her enough for this generosity.