‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year. Packet deadlines are near. Our advisors dedicate themselves to our work. I may send my advisor a sympathy card–or five–along with a bottle of Malbec [Student Tip # 112: Wine makes your adverbs fall off and any advisor real happy]. But you didn’t hear this from me [A copy of Student Tips and Blips is available for $49.99. Email for details].
Maybe you’re feeling anxious [don’t most of us]? Tired? Excited? Have you found your stride? Wondering where the heck it’s hiding? Ever wonder how you’ll tap in when you’re tapped-out? Don’t worry; these are classic signs of P.D.D.S. [Packet Due Date Syndrome]. And the prognosis is hopeful. Life happens. You do the work. The car breaks down. You do the work. Mom moves into the apartment. You do the work [with the door locked].
How’s your semester going? How’s your writing life? The Inkpot is your community. It is our community. And P.D.D.S. is perfectly normal. We’re in this together.
Disclaimer: The author of this post in no way promotes bribery in the advisor/advisee relationship. :0)
P.D.D.S doesn't disappear when you graduate. With all good luck, it merely switches a letter to M.D.D.S. (manuscript due date syndrome). Which is exactly what I am suffering from right now. Talk about tic-checks up the wazoo.
So glad to see the new bloggers! I miss all you Hamline-ites. (I'm on leave for the year.)
And, yes, your advisers love wine–works every time!
Long time no see, Lisa! We all miss you! May we all develop M.D.D.S. one day! :0) Be well and happy writing!
oh, my packet time and still summer. But sometimes warm weather brings my most vivid writing. Outside, inside – our characters, our subjects, nature. It's all good. Deadlines can be good if we don't panic.
i find deadlines to be very helpful. i even set deadlines for myself throughout my packet. For example, "by the end of this week I will have progressed this much…." good luck every one!