An important announcement
Well, it’s official:
I’m going back to college.
In four months, I’ll move to the Twin Cities to start an MFA program in creative writing at the University of Minnesota.
It will be three years long. I’ll be able to write full-time, and get paid to grade papers by college freshman who are ten years younger than I am and haven’t done the reading.
When I’m done, I’ll be on the other side of thirty, not too deep in debt, and have a “book-length work suitable for publication,” God willing.
I’m not ready to leave Chicago, especially the two bands with whom I’ve been fortunate enough to play. That is what I’ll miss the most, probably.
But I can’t stay in my current rut, and I can’t pass up this opportunity.
So, I’m going to spend the next four months saving money, apartment-hunting, and making the most out of the time I have left in Chicago. This means a lot of summer nights spent carousing at small bars and rock shows with my people.
It’s a big step to take, and I’ll be sad to leave Chicago, but anyone who knows me will understand that it’s the right thing to do.
I’m finally going to be able to spend my days writing, and learning how to write better.
It’s about goddamn time.
Posted: April 18th, 2005 under Chicago, Grinnell, Reading & Writing.
Comments: 11
Comments
Comment from sara eilert
Time: 18 April 2005, 10:24
that’s really great. congratulations. may the papers you grade not make you want to shoot yourself in the face too much. though there aren’t really degrees of shooting yourself in the face. it’s kind of a black and white thing.
so, um. that’s awesome.
Comment from kateri
Time: 18 April 2005, 10:17
Congratulations! I’ll be sad to see you go, but I’m happy for you.
Comment from josh
Time: 18 April 2005, 11:48
Good for you Jake. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Chicago.
Comment from Win
Time: 18 April 2005, 12:32
Congratulations, reaction.
Comment from Mia
Time: 18 April 2005, 14:16
Wow, congrats, Jake…I heard Minny is aewsome in the winter, my friend’s sister-in-law is there getting her law degree…anyhow, look forward to your book :-)
Comment from Sunday
Time: 18 April 2005, 16:04
I get to catalog it when it comes out. I’m thinking it will be more of a 599 than a 810.
Comment from Sam B.
Time: 18 April 2005, 17:50
Congrats, man! I look forward to reading any and all of your future work!
Comment from wadsbone
Time: 18 April 2005, 19:00
Dewey Key:
599 – Mammals
810 – American or Canadian Literature
Comment from robin
Time: 19 April 2005, 05:12
Jake, that is fucking awesome! I am so happy for you—I know you’ve wanted to do this…well, for as long as I’ve known you. This is such a great opportunity for you. Congratulations.
Comment from Jake
Time: 19 April 2005, 13:42
Thanks to all my friends for the well-wishings.
Comment from Sophie
Time: 22 April 2005, 23:32
the twin cities will welcome you into their arts scene with delight, i’m sure. the minneapolis/st.paul duo is, as they say here, “oh fer fabulous.” congratulations on the MFA program!
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