Creative Writing Instructor Collaborates To Bring Workshop To Baltimore
Tracy C. Gold recently co-founded Sounding Sea Writers Workshop with a group of other writers and teachers to bring a variety of services to both emerging and established writers working in many genres. Additionally, she is working at the University of Baltimore on a project to create a digital academic writing guide.
Gold graduated with a B.A. in creative writing from Duke University and is currently working on her M.F.A. in creative writing and publishing from the University of Baltimore with an anticipated completion date of 2016.
How did you become interested in the areas of writing and education? What led you to co-found Sounding Sea?
"I am passionate about education as a tool for empowerment. I co-founded Sounding Sea Writers' Workshop for folks who want to learn about writing, but don't have the time, resources, or luck to pursue formal education like I did. I hope we can inspire and support our students as I was inspired. I also teach writing at the University of Baltimore, because it is an essential skill regardless of the profession chosen."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"I have been studying writing my entire life. Starting a writing education company, publishing fiction, poetry, and essays, and teaching writing at local colleges stems directly from my educational background.
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"My degree from Duke gives me instant credibility, but the skills and connections I have gained through the M.F.A. program are invaluable. I met my Sounding Sea co-founders, and have written several pieces that are now either published or forthcoming, all since starting the program. Additionally, the M.F.A. program is giving me valuable experience toward my teaching career by connecting me with teaching assistant and college prep instructor positions."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to become involved in writing itself or educating writers?
"Anyone pursuing higher education, working to become a writer, or launching a company is going to face, at times, overwhelming amounts of failure and rejection. You have to celebrate every small victory, learn from your failures, and persevere. As an example, I initially applied to eight poetry M.F.A. programs my senior year at Duke and was rejected from each. I took a few years off, realized I wanted to write fiction, reapplied, and was accepted into several programs."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.