Hey Everybody,
I know your inboxes have been void of my banter for a couple weeks. Here's what I have been working on. The application deadline for the Masters Program in Writing at PSU that I am applying for is September 1st. I have been trying to write letters of intent for weeks. I'm basically down to the one just below, but I included an older version just for kicks. The reason I whittled it down was because I felt it had too much superfluous information and was a little on the fluffy side. I decided to go for the shorter version because 1) it meets the criteria ("One-page personal introduction, including background as a writer, statement of goals, and proposed plan of study.") a bit better, and 2) is a little more straight-forward, albeit less creative.
I am interested in hearing your feedback (on either version). I am especially looking for errors or any advice you may have that would make my final version clearer, better, more concise, whatever. I don't typically ask for advice about what I write, but this is really important to me, so I want it to be as perfect as it can be. By that, I mean, I want it to be effective. Any input would be appreciated. Even if it's just a spelling or grammar correction. I fear misplaced commas.
Thanks for your input.
-C
Next week, I want to write about something that has fallen out of the mainstream in our country: Common Courtesy ...good times.
7.25.2007
Masters Program Intro Letter [original]
(A Very) PERSONAL STATEMENT
By Cory Freeman
I have written scores of introductions for this personal statement. Honestly, it feels a lot like a first date. It feels necessary for me to be at the top of my game, putting my best self on the table for consideration. On one hand, I want to divulge enough information so I seem exciting and original, but on the other, I want to withhold enough to remain mysterious and intriguing. It’s a juggling act. I want to convey that I am not afraid to commit, but not so much so that I appear needy and pathetic. The possibilities of “us” swirl around my brain, but I must do what I can to remain grounded in reality. I know from experience that the kiss of death on a first date is appearing to be TOO available. I want to feel just the right “click.” Chemistry is important, but not crucial at this point. Really, my only goal is to get a second date, not to get married… so, first things first.
I’m so nervous. I guess, if I were my own best friend giving myself advice, it would be, “Just be yourself, and only one of two things can happen… either they will like you, or they won’t.” That sounds solid. I think I’ll try it. OK, here I go:
For the past eighteen years, my life’s biggest dream has been sitting on a dusty shelf, growing faded and dull inside my head— it’s integrity weakened by self-doubt, procrastination, and fear. In the spring of 1989, I tucked my dream of being a writer in a neat, airtight box and stashed it carefully in the attic space of my mind. The catalyst for shelving my dream was a simple one. I was living with my father during my first college run at the University of Nevada, Reno. He relocated for a job, and I lost my meal ticket. It was nothing earth shattering or profound, simply my reality. I had to get a job to pay the rent. I promptly found a nursing program, completed it, moved to Seattle, and have been working (mostly) as a registered nurse since 1994. Nursing has been a worthwhile career for me. I have few regrets, but something about the profession has always left me feeling empty and unfulfilled… at least creatively.
I have tried my hand at other ventures. While living in Seattle, I went back to school and earned my B.A. in Psychology at the University of Washington. I had intended to pursue a Ph.D. I thought I wanted to be a therapist or counselor, until one day I realized I didn’t really want to listen to other peoples’ problems all day. I have also owned my own businesses. In Seattle, I ran my own nursing agency. And, last year, in Portland, I had my own contractor/remodeling business. The common denominator, however, in the situations I just described, is that I have not been honest with myself. I have always known I wanted to be a writer and (more recently) publish my own books, but have fooled myself into believing alternative truths. I allowed myself to stray from the path I should have followed years ago. I made myself believe that these other endeavors were my true calling, when deep down, I knew they were not.
I had all but forgotten about my dream box until the summer of 2001. I had recently moved back to Northern Nevada and ran into my old friend, Kristin, at my 15-year high school reunion. She reminded me of a story we had written together for our senior yearbook. We talked about old times. I was reminded of the writing I had done in high school. I had quite a collection of angst-driven poetry about girls I had crushes on, but I had also contributed stories to the school newspaper and also served as the editor for my high school literary magazine, The Verbatim. Our conversations flowed easily about old times. When Kristin asked me what I had done with my writing career, I was able to tell her that I had a weekly column called ‘Cadger’s Corner’ while I majored in journalism at UNR. I was also able to brag about a story I had written being one of 25 chosen from over 200 entries in the UNR publication “New Voices.” Beyond that, though, I sadly admitted my writing career had been shelved. Hers had too, but because she had gotten married and started a family.
During the course of summer in 2001, Kristin and I spent a lot of time together, sharing the contents of our boxes and vowing to never lose sight of our dreams again. On one of our outings, we were having coffee on the sidewalk outside a place called Java Jungle in downtown Reno by the Truckee River, and we noticed this man who kept circling the block on his Indian motorcycle. At first, we thought he might be looking for a parking space. Then, we thought he might be lost. By the 7th time around the block, we had made up an entirely fictional life story for him. He eventually found a parking space directly in front of us, so I had to ask. As it turned out, he was attorney who had ridden up from San Francisco for the day to meet a woman he hadn't seen in over 20 years, and was not hooligan we had made him out to be. As we I talked, I got the idea of writing a collection of short stories that were completely fictional with the exception of some factual element. The project ultimately came to be known as ‘Sidewalk Stories.’ The opening line would be a snippet from an overheard conversation or actual event, like the one there on the sidewalk outside Java Jungle, and we would publish a book of the best stories. Over time, however, Kristin’s interest waned, and discussions tapered off, so I put Sidewalk Stories back in the dream box and re-shelved it. But, at least I dusted it.
Sidewalk Stories was initially destined to be a "He Said/She Said" collection of short stories, but since I lost my writing partner, I have been able to develop the idea further, into something much more meaningful and powerful, something that could actually change the world in my eyes. It continues to percolate inside me, and I simply cannot ignore it any longer, for I fear it will bubble over and burn me if I do. For the first time, ever, I feel a sense of purpose. Something I have always hoped and searched for, but never found until now.
Long story longer, that is how I discovered the Masters program at P.S.U. I went online looking for an MFA-type program that would help me achieve my goal of launching my own publishing company, Sidewalk Publishing. My Google search revealed P.S.U. as a viable option. It is local, affordable, and a seemingly perfect fit for my needs. I was excited enough to find a Masters level writing program in Portland. I am a writer at heart, after all. But, when I discovered there is also Book Publishing track, I was sold. Ooligan Press seems like the perfect place to get my feet wet in publishing.
Sidewalk Stories, as I now envision, will remain a collection of short stories. The new twist is that they will eventually be an annual publication, much like the “Best American Short Stories” series published by Houghton Mifflin. My dream for Sidewalk Stories is to serve as a platform to showcase the talent of new voices in American literature, and perhaps sign these authors for other publications. I envision early editions of Sidewalk Stories being contest driven with a different theme from year to year. The next step in the evolution of Sidewalk Publishing will be more philanthropic. I love alliteration, and have since come up with similar concepts for Sandbox Stories and Playground Poetry—again, contest driven publications, but this time with scholarships being awarded to talented young writers.
I sincerely believe that P.S.U. is the perfect fit for me at this time. I urge you to consider me a serious and dedicated applicant. In return, I will promise you the best of I have to offer in anything and everything I do at P.S.U., and Ooligan Press as well.
I look forward to hearing from you. Perhaps, a second date?
Sincerely,
Cory Freeman
By Cory Freeman
I have written scores of introductions for this personal statement. Honestly, it feels a lot like a first date. It feels necessary for me to be at the top of my game, putting my best self on the table for consideration. On one hand, I want to divulge enough information so I seem exciting and original, but on the other, I want to withhold enough to remain mysterious and intriguing. It’s a juggling act. I want to convey that I am not afraid to commit, but not so much so that I appear needy and pathetic. The possibilities of “us” swirl around my brain, but I must do what I can to remain grounded in reality. I know from experience that the kiss of death on a first date is appearing to be TOO available. I want to feel just the right “click.” Chemistry is important, but not crucial at this point. Really, my only goal is to get a second date, not to get married… so, first things first.
I’m so nervous. I guess, if I were my own best friend giving myself advice, it would be, “Just be yourself, and only one of two things can happen… either they will like you, or they won’t.” That sounds solid. I think I’ll try it. OK, here I go:
For the past eighteen years, my life’s biggest dream has been sitting on a dusty shelf, growing faded and dull inside my head— it’s integrity weakened by self-doubt, procrastination, and fear. In the spring of 1989, I tucked my dream of being a writer in a neat, airtight box and stashed it carefully in the attic space of my mind. The catalyst for shelving my dream was a simple one. I was living with my father during my first college run at the University of Nevada, Reno. He relocated for a job, and I lost my meal ticket. It was nothing earth shattering or profound, simply my reality. I had to get a job to pay the rent. I promptly found a nursing program, completed it, moved to Seattle, and have been working (mostly) as a registered nurse since 1994. Nursing has been a worthwhile career for me. I have few regrets, but something about the profession has always left me feeling empty and unfulfilled… at least creatively.
I have tried my hand at other ventures. While living in Seattle, I went back to school and earned my B.A. in Psychology at the University of Washington. I had intended to pursue a Ph.D. I thought I wanted to be a therapist or counselor, until one day I realized I didn’t really want to listen to other peoples’ problems all day. I have also owned my own businesses. In Seattle, I ran my own nursing agency. And, last year, in Portland, I had my own contractor/remodeling business. The common denominator, however, in the situations I just described, is that I have not been honest with myself. I have always known I wanted to be a writer and (more recently) publish my own books, but have fooled myself into believing alternative truths. I allowed myself to stray from the path I should have followed years ago. I made myself believe that these other endeavors were my true calling, when deep down, I knew they were not.
I had all but forgotten about my dream box until the summer of 2001. I had recently moved back to Northern Nevada and ran into my old friend, Kristin, at my 15-year high school reunion. She reminded me of a story we had written together for our senior yearbook. We talked about old times. I was reminded of the writing I had done in high school. I had quite a collection of angst-driven poetry about girls I had crushes on, but I had also contributed stories to the school newspaper and also served as the editor for my high school literary magazine, The Verbatim. Our conversations flowed easily about old times. When Kristin asked me what I had done with my writing career, I was able to tell her that I had a weekly column called ‘Cadger’s Corner’ while I majored in journalism at UNR. I was also able to brag about a story I had written being one of 25 chosen from over 200 entries in the UNR publication “New Voices.” Beyond that, though, I sadly admitted my writing career had been shelved. Hers had too, but because she had gotten married and started a family.
During the course of summer in 2001, Kristin and I spent a lot of time together, sharing the contents of our boxes and vowing to never lose sight of our dreams again. On one of our outings, we were having coffee on the sidewalk outside a place called Java Jungle in downtown Reno by the Truckee River, and we noticed this man who kept circling the block on his Indian motorcycle. At first, we thought he might be looking for a parking space. Then, we thought he might be lost. By the 7th time around the block, we had made up an entirely fictional life story for him. He eventually found a parking space directly in front of us, so I had to ask. As it turned out, he was attorney who had ridden up from San Francisco for the day to meet a woman he hadn't seen in over 20 years, and was not hooligan we had made him out to be. As we I talked, I got the idea of writing a collection of short stories that were completely fictional with the exception of some factual element. The project ultimately came to be known as ‘Sidewalk Stories.’ The opening line would be a snippet from an overheard conversation or actual event, like the one there on the sidewalk outside Java Jungle, and we would publish a book of the best stories. Over time, however, Kristin’s interest waned, and discussions tapered off, so I put Sidewalk Stories back in the dream box and re-shelved it. But, at least I dusted it.
Sidewalk Stories was initially destined to be a "He Said/She Said" collection of short stories, but since I lost my writing partner, I have been able to develop the idea further, into something much more meaningful and powerful, something that could actually change the world in my eyes. It continues to percolate inside me, and I simply cannot ignore it any longer, for I fear it will bubble over and burn me if I do. For the first time, ever, I feel a sense of purpose. Something I have always hoped and searched for, but never found until now.
Long story longer, that is how I discovered the Masters program at P.S.U. I went online looking for an MFA-type program that would help me achieve my goal of launching my own publishing company, Sidewalk Publishing. My Google search revealed P.S.U. as a viable option. It is local, affordable, and a seemingly perfect fit for my needs. I was excited enough to find a Masters level writing program in Portland. I am a writer at heart, after all. But, when I discovered there is also Book Publishing track, I was sold. Ooligan Press seems like the perfect place to get my feet wet in publishing.
Sidewalk Stories, as I now envision, will remain a collection of short stories. The new twist is that they will eventually be an annual publication, much like the “Best American Short Stories” series published by Houghton Mifflin. My dream for Sidewalk Stories is to serve as a platform to showcase the talent of new voices in American literature, and perhaps sign these authors for other publications. I envision early editions of Sidewalk Stories being contest driven with a different theme from year to year. The next step in the evolution of Sidewalk Publishing will be more philanthropic. I love alliteration, and have since come up with similar concepts for Sandbox Stories and Playground Poetry—again, contest driven publications, but this time with scholarships being awarded to talented young writers.
I sincerely believe that P.S.U. is the perfect fit for me at this time. I urge you to consider me a serious and dedicated applicant. In return, I will promise you the best of I have to offer in anything and everything I do at P.S.U., and Ooligan Press as well.
I look forward to hearing from you. Perhaps, a second date?
Sincerely,
Cory Freeman
Masters Program Intro Letter [version 2.0]
Personal Introduction-- By Cory Freeman
I have always thought I wanted to be a writer. In high school, I was highly involved in my journalism class as assistant editor on the school newspaper. For extracurricular fun, I was also involved with the yearbook and served as the editor for my school’s annual literary publication, The Verbatim. When I started college at the University of Nevada, Reno, I majored in journalism, had my own weekly column in the campus newspaper, The Sagebrush, and had one of my short stories published in the English Department’s annual ‘New Voices’ publication.
That was 1989. That was the year I shelved the dream of being a writer and opted for a more practical career (by that, I mean one that paid the bills). So, in 1994, I graduated from nursing school and have been working as a registered nurse (mostly) since then. Along the way, in 2001, I earned by BA in Psychology from the University of Washington. I had planned to pursue a PhD in Psychology and become a psychologist, but discovered I didn’t really want to listen to people’s problems all the time and was disinterested in conducting extensive research as well. So, I went back to nursing.
Nursing has been a good profession for me. I enjoy working with people, helping others, and being part of a strong team. It pays pretty well, is more or less portable, and offers a flexible schedule. I currently work in the ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland. The problem with nursing, as it pertains to me, is that at nearly 40 years of age, I find it monotonous, somewhat unfulfilling, and void of creativity—which I long for. I have been working as a nurse for over 13 years and I am finally ready for a real change.
That’s where my application to P.S.U. comes in. I recently searched online for writing programs in the Pacific Northwest and came across the program at P.S.U. I just moved to Portland two years ago, and plan to stay. I must admit, I was happy to find a program in Portland, but I became nearly giddy when I came across the Book Publishing track of the program. I have always been interested in publishing, and have dreamed of being one of the great self-published American authors like Mark Twain or Walt Whitman. When I researched further and discovered Ooligan Press, I decided, without a doubt, that the program was a good fit for me.
In 2001, I developed a concept I call Sidewalk Stories after running into an old friend (who I used to write with) at my 15-year high school reunion. We spent a lot of time together that summer talking about writing, publishing and the business of both. Sidewalk Stories was borne from one of those conversations. Initially, I envisioned Sidewalk Stories being a compilation of self-written short fiction in which the first line of every story would be a quote from an overheard conversation at a café, bar, or simply on the sidewalk (where I got the idea). Since then, Sidewalk Stories has evolved into an idea that is much larger than I ever imagined it could be. It is now my goal to start my own publishing company, Sidewalk Publishing—Extraordinary Stories for Every Day People. I envision Sidewalk Stories as an annual publication showcasing undiscovered writing talent. Some day, I see the series being as popular as the “Best American Short Stories…” books published by Houghton Mifflin. Sidewalk Stories will be contest driven and the best entries will be published. I have also developed ideas for similar publications for young writers called Sandbox Stories and Playground Poetry that will also be contest driven, but the winners will be awarded scholarships instead of prizes. Then, as Sidewalk Publishing grows, perhaps we will be able to enter into contracts with some of these newly discovered authors. And, although not developed at this time, I foresee Sidewalk Media eventually producing movies from our library of material. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
I just want to say that I think the writing program at P.S.U. along with the hands-on, collaborative experiences offered at Ooligan Press seem like the perfect fit for me. I have an entrepreneurial spirit. I am ready to head down this path, and I promise to bring my passion and enthusiasm with me on the journey. I am dedicated to the process of learning, writing, and now publishing. Ooligan seems like the kind of place where the reward for my hard work and dedication will be a solid foundation in the practical and business sides of publishing industry.
I am excited beyond words, and I want to be a part of the program in every facet.
Thank you,
Cory Freeman
I have always thought I wanted to be a writer. In high school, I was highly involved in my journalism class as assistant editor on the school newspaper. For extracurricular fun, I was also involved with the yearbook and served as the editor for my school’s annual literary publication, The Verbatim. When I started college at the University of Nevada, Reno, I majored in journalism, had my own weekly column in the campus newspaper, The Sagebrush, and had one of my short stories published in the English Department’s annual ‘New Voices’ publication.
That was 1989. That was the year I shelved the dream of being a writer and opted for a more practical career (by that, I mean one that paid the bills). So, in 1994, I graduated from nursing school and have been working as a registered nurse (mostly) since then. Along the way, in 2001, I earned by BA in Psychology from the University of Washington. I had planned to pursue a PhD in Psychology and become a psychologist, but discovered I didn’t really want to listen to people’s problems all the time and was disinterested in conducting extensive research as well. So, I went back to nursing.
Nursing has been a good profession for me. I enjoy working with people, helping others, and being part of a strong team. It pays pretty well, is more or less portable, and offers a flexible schedule. I currently work in the ICU at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland. The problem with nursing, as it pertains to me, is that at nearly 40 years of age, I find it monotonous, somewhat unfulfilling, and void of creativity—which I long for. I have been working as a nurse for over 13 years and I am finally ready for a real change.
That’s where my application to P.S.U. comes in. I recently searched online for writing programs in the Pacific Northwest and came across the program at P.S.U. I just moved to Portland two years ago, and plan to stay. I must admit, I was happy to find a program in Portland, but I became nearly giddy when I came across the Book Publishing track of the program. I have always been interested in publishing, and have dreamed of being one of the great self-published American authors like Mark Twain or Walt Whitman. When I researched further and discovered Ooligan Press, I decided, without a doubt, that the program was a good fit for me.
In 2001, I developed a concept I call Sidewalk Stories after running into an old friend (who I used to write with) at my 15-year high school reunion. We spent a lot of time together that summer talking about writing, publishing and the business of both. Sidewalk Stories was borne from one of those conversations. Initially, I envisioned Sidewalk Stories being a compilation of self-written short fiction in which the first line of every story would be a quote from an overheard conversation at a café, bar, or simply on the sidewalk (where I got the idea). Since then, Sidewalk Stories has evolved into an idea that is much larger than I ever imagined it could be. It is now my goal to start my own publishing company, Sidewalk Publishing—Extraordinary Stories for Every Day People. I envision Sidewalk Stories as an annual publication showcasing undiscovered writing talent. Some day, I see the series being as popular as the “Best American Short Stories…” books published by Houghton Mifflin. Sidewalk Stories will be contest driven and the best entries will be published. I have also developed ideas for similar publications for young writers called Sandbox Stories and Playground Poetry that will also be contest driven, but the winners will be awarded scholarships instead of prizes. Then, as Sidewalk Publishing grows, perhaps we will be able to enter into contracts with some of these newly discovered authors. And, although not developed at this time, I foresee Sidewalk Media eventually producing movies from our library of material. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
I just want to say that I think the writing program at P.S.U. along with the hands-on, collaborative experiences offered at Ooligan Press seem like the perfect fit for me. I have an entrepreneurial spirit. I am ready to head down this path, and I promise to bring my passion and enthusiasm with me on the journey. I am dedicated to the process of learning, writing, and now publishing. Ooligan seems like the kind of place where the reward for my hard work and dedication will be a solid foundation in the practical and business sides of publishing industry.
I am excited beyond words, and I want to be a part of the program in every facet.
Thank you,
Cory Freeman
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