inspiration – Susan Koefod

When traveling

across the

borderline from

the familiar to

the unknown,

an open mind

is the best travelling companion.

The line above is from my poem, “New Experiences Ahead,” which has just been published in June Cotner’s latest anthology, SOAR! Follow Your Dreams (Andrews McMeel Publishing).

It’s so beautifully fitting that June’s new book has come out as I work with my graduating senior to ready her for college and adult life.

Dress for the unpredictable,

as everything is subject to change.

Many memories have come back to me about my graduation and preparation for college, and I want her to have even better experiences than I did. My one regret is that I didn’t live at school — I missed having the kinds of close relationships that my husband has with his college friends (many are lifelong friends).

So I’m doing everything I can to make sure my daughter doesn’t miss out. Just a few days ago, she applied for housing at Hamline University, my MFA alma mater.

It will be challenging, no doubt, living away from home (even though she won’t be very far away). I know she will keep an open mind and she’s always been a far better dresser than I ever was.

I can’t wait to see the rest of the motivational quotes, inspirational wisdom, and positive thoughts throughout the rest of SOAR! It sounds like a great graduation gift (hint – hint) so there’s my one commercial message. It’s available wherever books are sold for $12.99.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Provoke successful daily writing sessions through stimulating writing prompts, dispensed into writer as if they were colorful, long-lasting candies of various flavors

Nurture unexpectedly delicious sentences, yummy turns of phrase, and one-of-a-kind metaphor confections that flow from writer with ease and leave readers and reviewers fainting with delight, craving more, a few pounds lighter, and several years younger looking (WIN-WIN)

Whip writer into extended writing jags (aided by caffeine and anti-diuretics) that result in a minimum 5,000 words per day, leaving enough time for writer to read at least one novel per day, get regular manicures, take long walks through the countryside, watch favorite soaps and cooking shows, and get eight hours sleep

Inspire writer to produce at least one blockbuster novel each year

Desired Experience:

Five to seven years experience stirring writer’s imagination to create unique, quirky and totally convincing characters (creepy uncle who works at the sewage plant, brainy warrior-toddler who saves the world), well constructed plots (dystopia set entirely in car wash), and plot twists (car wash is secretly owned by creepy uncle who works at sewage plant)

Proven ability to motivate writer to write groundbreaking, category-killing novels (Toddler-warrior novels for senior citizens! Creepy uncle action hero series!)

Exceptional revision support skills, proofreading a plus

Connections with influential people (agents and publishers) essential (past indiscretions with these people winked at, esp. if indiscretions made connection more influential)

Must possess valid muse license (Class A), know how to drive with dictionary and thesaurus, (and NOT online Wiki-anything)

Fluency in literary cannon and exceptional knowledge of cultural trends a must

REFERENCES WILL BE REQUIRED