writing icons.

"Those that don't got it, can't show it. Those that got it, can't hide it." - Zora Neale Hurston

So it's been several weeks at this "writing thing" and I feel pretty good about it. Part of me still can't believe that I actually am getting paid for what I do all day. Part of me is also feeling the pressure, since I am finding it hard to motivate myself for writing my personal statements and writing portfolios. I keep waiting for that "flow". But working writers have to write even without the "flow".

I was thinking about an event I attended back in 2005 -- "Great Writers at Barnard", at Barnard College, in NYC. It was a one-day event where alumnae writers from Barnard came and spoke on panels, and there were various breakout sessions you could sign up for. I signed up for a session on finding an agent and publisher, and one on science writing. Natalie Angier, the author of "Woman:An Intimate Geography" was at the science writing panel. I got to the city early, and since I was familiar with the Columbia area, went to one of the Starbucks' near the school. Standing on line, I realized that who should the woman in front of me be, but none other than ANNA QUINDLEN. I was awestruck. Then, walking down a hallway at Columbia during the panel, Jhumpa Lahiri, the author of "The Interpreter of Maladies" passed me. wow. The panel included Ann Brashares, of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" fame, and other alumnae there that day included Erica Jong ("Fear of Flying"), Edwidge Danticat, Delia Ephron, Nieca Goldberg, Naomi Foner Gyllenhaal (mother to Maggie and Jake), Mary Gordon, Stephanie Klein, Daphne Merkin, Eliza Minot and Suzanne Vega. In an elevator I found myself riding with the special guests of the event, Jonathan and Faye Kellerman. It was an awesome day. That day, though I would never admit it, I probably knew that I would end up as a writer. It was a magical day for me, seeing these people in person. The above quote by Hurston, herself a Barnard alum, is Barnard's motto. I think it's awesome.

Anyway. I will have plenty of time to write even more in the near future. My foot surgery has to be redone. It will be done next thursday, and I am NOT looking forward to it.