I HIT SUBMIT!

Y'all...I am DYING right now!  I just hit submit on my application!  I am nervous as all heck.  When I finally had all of my documents uploaded, I couldn't make myself click the 'Submit Application' button.  So, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, held it in, and clicked...and then I opened my eyes and it said my application had been received!  It's gone, there's nothing I can do to change it.

I hope it's what they're looking for (especially my personal statement).  When I'm feeling brave, I will share my personal statement with you all.  :)

Ashley

Writing a Personal Statement

SERIOUSLY!  Why is this so hard?!  How come I can write over 100 pages of a novel (so far) but I can't get 5 pages or less together for my personal statement?

I have tons of things written for this...but I can't seem to make them all fit together.  And I tried to sit down and just write something totally different...but ended up writing something very similar to all the parts and pieces I already have.

So for those of you writing personal statements for your college and grad school applications, here are a few tips/tricks:

1.  Make sure your statement is about YOU!  When I first tried to combine a few things I had already written with some information about why I wanted to get into Kingston University's MA in publishing program, I kept talking about what EVERYONE ELSE had done that affected my life.  Instead, I mostly just needed to talk about the actual effects, and mention the people/events that brought them about in passing.  (Although, as you'll see later, this is something I am STILL struggling with.)

2.  I know in school they tell you to know your audience, and write with them in mind.  However, when it comes to writing a personal statement, that audience, in a way, should be YOU.  Remind yourself why you want to go to that particular school, and go through that specific program.  Take a good look at yourself.  What are your actual goals, dreams, aspirations?  What is it that led you to that particular field, or school?  Because if you can convince yourself in your personal statement why you should be there, you will convince everyone else.

3.  Be. Honest.  Don't try to impress whomever is going to read your essay by fluffing it up with fibs, or taking out parts you think they might not want to hear.  You absolutely should use your best writing skills, but you don't need to be dishonest.

As soon as I finalize my personal statement, I promise to share it with all of you.  :)

Ashley

Can I have my passport, please?

So today I will be heading to the county court house to apply for a new passport.  I used to have one, but since I was a few months shy of being 16 at the time, it was only good for 5 years.  So it is beyond expired.  And to top it all off, it was lost when I moved from Minnesota to Florida.

And to add a little more to the madness, I have not one, not two, but three name change documents.  AND my driver's license does not match my social security card.  So, I'm crossing all my appendages that they'll let me use the name that's on my social security card for my passport.  (Bonus: if my passport has the name I want on it, the Florida DMV HAS to let me use my passport name on my driver's license!)

I also am working on my personal statement to go along with my application to Kingston today.  Who knew it was so hard to put down in writing your dreams and aspirations, along with how you got there, for anyone to read?  I need them to know just how bad I want this, and why I am a good candidate for the publishing program.  How do you fit all of that onto a few sheets of paper?  And then let someone else read it?

Anyway, wish me luck!

Ashley

I Dreamed a Dream...

So, as my friends and family well know, I have always been an avid reader.  I devour books, of any kind!  For as long as I can remember, one single thought has crossed my mind, and my lips, on many occasions: "If only I could get paid to read all day."  Well, until about a year ago, I thought those words were just a big pipe dream...something pretty much unattainable.

All of that changed with a simple Facebook post: Rachel Harris was looking for an intern/assistant, and in exchange, she would give some industry info to that person, as well as give them practice and advice in whatever area of writing/publishing they were interested in.  Lucky for me, after reading through countless applications in response to her request, and doing some interviews, Rachel chose me!

My experience as Rachel's assistant was life-altering.  I can't even imagine where I would be if it weren't for working with her for a year.  Not only did I learn alot about what an author does, but I learned a lot about myself...that I have some natural editing abilities, and I really enjoy proofreading.  (I know, I'm crazy!)  About half-way through my year of working with Rachel, I began thinking about what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life.  I am currently a middle/high school English teacher.  I love working with students, and watching them learn and grow.  But I discovered I was even more passionate about well-written, well-edited books.  So I began looking for master's degree programs in publishing.

And the best program I found is the MA in Publishing program at Kingston University in London.  For the same price as a two-year program here in the states (which really didn't seem to measure up anyway) I can complete the program in ONE year, AND live in London while I do it!  I mean, this is a no-brainer, right?  So, I will be applying to the program, and praying that I get in!

Hopefully this blog will go from me sharing the process of getting into Kingston's publishing program to actually sharing what it's like to be a part of the program, as well as living 'across the pond.'

Crossing my fingers (and toes!),

Ashley