Refining one’s skills is a never ending process and that’s a good thing. There’s lots of territory to cover when it comes to writing and none of is us immune. Just having completed reading (and writing) two very different novels it occurred to me that one needed refinement in editing and the other in cohesion in development of a story line. Different types of writing vary in terms of interest but the reader should have an idea what the essence of the story is even if the writer has an MFA. It’s up to the writer to ensure that this happens. Readers shouldn’t be spoon fed but stimulated, enticed to move onto the next chapter and given the best material the author can provide.

With a PhD in Nursing focused on Theory Development and Research I have a certain set of skills. Not having an MFA has sometimes sent me into a cycle of despair. I contemplated returning to a graduate writing program but decided it’s not for me-at least based on what today’s tarot spread showed me.

I love writing poetry and have a couple of poems slated to come out in the Spring/Summer of 2015 issue of Sinister Wisdom. I believe that means something but I do think I could use some fine tuning in that area. I’ve just started an online writing course at the Writers Studio Workshop. I tend not to advertise but their method is simple, fun and not personally degrading as I’ve experienced at some other schools of writing.

The first poem I remember my mom reading to me when I was teeny was Abou Ben Adhem (May his tribe increase) by James Henry Leigh Hunt. I remember the vivid imagery that I experienced as I heard the words. I hope to be that sort of poet one day and this is precisely why I look toward refining my skills.