Author Manifesto for Emma Mayhood
by newerawriters
In our final month and a half of the YouNiversity Project, we will take what we have learned and apply it to two assignments which are vital for any writer. A public appearance and refining the query letter. To create a public appearance, we will be posting video manifestos proclaiming who we are as writers and what we wish to accomplish with our work. The videos are meant to engage viewers to start a digital conversation with us. Next up is Emma Mayhood, our poet in residence. If you have not read her works for us, scroll down after you see this video. She is the real thing.
YouNiversity Project 2014 
Emma,
That was so beautiful. I wholeheartedly embrace your desire to constantly be changing, to “never plateau”, I believe, just as you do, that a writer (or person) should never be the same ten years down the road. Experiencing new books, new people, new places–never get stuck being surrounded by the same things or routine. Even if that just means taking a longer route to work a couple days a week to better explore your surroundings. The Sound Poetry class seems fascinating, I am unaware of that style and now want to look it up.
You have been a real unexpected gem in this program. Your work demonstrates the same audacity that you speak of in this video and I love the way you see the world and the way you always seem to be focused. It has been a joy watching you grow in this program, and you are right, while aspects of writing is a solo effort, it does not have to be anti-social. The communities we foster are vital to our survival and growth as people and as artists. I look forward to seeing how you progress in the coming years.
Jon Marcantoni
Thank you so much for your kind words Jon. You are a wonderful source of confidence and encouragement. I am thankful I got to be a part of this program and learn all that I have from you and Chris and all of the authors you have brought in.
Thanks,
Emma