What I have here -- or more specifically, what I hope I have here -- is a place for anyone who was in the VCU Creative Writing Program around the early to mid '90s or thereabouts to check in, say hey and let the rest of us know where you are and what you've been up to.
The idea congealed in my brain over a couple of weeks last fall. First, one of my online blogging buds went to the Callaloo 30th Anniversary Celebration in Baltimore and posted something about a a panel that Dave Wright was on. Then I picked the Times-Dispatch and saw Kendra Bailey's food column. Then at some point shortly thereafter, going back and forth with the always idea-inspiring John Chapin in late night emails, I got the idea that maybe we should have some sort of casual gathering place online -- sort of a virtual Marvin's -- where we can drop in, kick back and talk about stuff. And it doesn't matter if that stuff has anything to do with writing at all. Not trying to take the place of The Whale's Belly or step on its fins or anything, because, like, if I had serious writing or academic stuff going on in my life right now, that would be where I'd tell y'all about it. I just thought maybe a place for lowbrow updates and general bullshitting might coax some folks out of the woodwork.
Oh. I sat on this idea for like five months (still working on that procrastination thing). I mentioned it to Tom DeHaven, and Kim Golden and of course John Chapin but I didn't get off my butt and do anything about it.
Then today John texted me "Guess who I just ran into in New Orleans!" And this popped up on my phone's screen:
I'd like to note that I have never had a picture on my phone before. I didn't even know my phone was capable of such things. And I cannot think of a more auspicious one with which to start.
Email me at anne@annesoffee.com and I'll add you as an author on this blog so you can post. You'll need to create a free Blogger account. This seems like the most user-friendly way to do it.
So, what's everybody been up to for the last ten, twelve years?
3 comments:
Hey Anne,
Going to add a link to this on my blog. :) It'll be cool to catch up with everyone. I haven't been very good at that since moving to Stockholm but I will try to be better at it.
Dear MFAers,
John Chapin is full of shit. I wasn't in New Orleans. I've never been there. I live in Salina, Kansas with my wife Betty. We have three tall, articulate sons: Kevin, Cody and Hunter. As a rule, I stay away from English conferences.
And as far as that photo goes...John Chapin Carpenter has a lot to learn about photo-shopping. Just look at the fake background. Is that supposed to be New Orleans?
The word is that Veneble lives in Pittsburgh and his wife is opening a wine bar called Chuggers.
the real Dave Zoby
Don't we think the real Zoby would know how to spell Venable? And we all know how articulate his children would be...
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