So I applied to Clarion today. I finished editing my second story early this afternoon, paid my application fee, proof-read my essay, and did it. It was absurdly stressful.

I’m not anxious about getting in–I assume I won’t, and even if I do I’m still not sure I could go because of the expense and the very narrow window they give you to come up with tuition. This wasn’t about getting in. It was about applying, because applying was something I’ve wanted to do for years.

Getting into Clarion is a long-term goal. It’s on my five-year list. My short-term goal was getting a couple of stories together that I believe are my best work, making them as good as I can get them, and clicking the damn button.

So. That’s done then.

I’m going to go eat a steak, open a Bogle Petite Syrah, and watch Star Trek.

Thank you to all of my awesome writing friends and Twitter acquaintances who critiqued these stories and encouraged me to do this. You guys are the best.