GREETINGS, FELLOW STUDENTS…

A dorkus mcgorkus.

Pretending to be a figure of authority.

What an honor (and panic) it was to be invited as the keynote speaker for this year’s Upstate Eight Literary Festival, a conference with the intention of providing students an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments as writers.

The talent and camaraderie on display was astounding and I appreciated the opportunity to share my message, which was this: LOVE THE NOT KNOWING. Embrace the uncertainty and jump in.

All my thanks to Michael Aye for the gracious invitation and to the students for sharing their stories and for not throwing refuse at me while I blathered. It was an experience to remember.