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Tayari's Blog: Take Me Home, Country Roads

Posted by TayariJones on August 3, 2007 04:47 PM
Filed under Travels & Rambles

Well, I am busy packing my suitcases (again). This time, I am bound for Texas, where I will be teaching in the Callaloo Summer Writing Workshops.

I am looking forward to the experience. I know that I have lived in so many places, that it doesn't seem so exciting when I say "I used to live there!". Never the less, I will tell you that I have a special place in my heart for the Lone Star State. I lived there from 1993-95.

In those years, I was in a strange place in terms of my development. I knew I wanted to be a writer, but had no idea how to go about doing it. Truthfully, things could have gone either way.

During those years, I held down my first real job-- teaching Developmental Reading at Prairie View A&M University. My students there remain among my favorites. I also wrote my very first novel. I never published it, but just writing it let me know I had what it took to stick with a story long enough to finish a novel. So, all of this is to say that this is a sort of homecoming for me.

And what a wonderful opportunity to go back! Callaloo only accepts five students per class, so we will have time enough to give each student the attention they deserve. (Make sure you apply for next year!)

Also, for any members of our blog community thatlive in Houston, the Callaloo faculty will be giving a reading on Thursday, August 16, 6pm at The Esemble Theatre. It's free and I'd love to see you there.

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