Good Day Substack subscribers!
First - I can’t thank you enough for reading my scribblings. I do appreciate it.
Second - and the reason for this post - is a request. I am thinking about getting my Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing online from Eastern Oregon State University. Their program concentrates on writing centered on environmental topics. I hope to develop my creative non-fiction writing skills and see where it leads.
Here is where you come in. I need two letters of reference to complete my application. You don’t need to initiate anything, the school will contact you by email to complete the reference materials. Would a couple of you fine folks like to volunteer? Just message me through Substack or via email - barry@barrywarburton.com - and I will let the school know your contact info. That’s it….easy-peasy.
Below is my essay to EOU explaining my desire to pursue an MFA degree for your info.
Thanks much in advance!
Barry
To Whom It May Concern:
There is a place, high on the northwest flank of Mt Rainier, below the blue hanging ice fall of the White Glacier, where meltwater tumbles down a ravaged coulee into the river. There, stretched out on a large, flat boulder in late summer sunshine, caressed by river talk, enfolded in immense mountain presence, is peace, love, and profound joy. To express this joy is my highest ambition. My bookshelves are filled with works by Muir, Mcfarlane, Lopez, Abbey, Whitman, Snyder, Oliver. Awestruck writers whose art expresses astonishing wonder via mere words on a page.
I too, want to master this art. I write - instinctively to work things out, express ideas, or document travels - but have had no special training. In my career, I have not been able to work on writing as craft. So, I am taking the opportunity presented by the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at Eastern Oregon University program to dig deep into writing – to improve my skills, to communicate and share my time in nature, and, perhaps, one day to teach.
I wish to use my greatest talents to help the most people. These talents include an appreciation for beauty and excellence, a love of learning, and an ability to write. I intend to use these talents to communicate the joy I feel when immersed in nature. The MFA program gives me the structure and critical expertise to hone my writing plus the time to study environmental psychology, philosophy, and literature.
I know I am a non-traditional student candidate. I am older with no professional credit as a writer. I am a retired engineer, self-taught naturalist, professional boat captain and guide, writer, and environmentalist. I tend towards a Buddhist approach to life and know reality as a manifestation of an ultimate, mysterious, consciousness. This idea is embodied in nature and enchants my world. I am applying to the MFA program to take the time to deeply contemplate nature and develop the skill to communicate this contemplation to others.