Last week I received word that I would be a fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts! In November I’ll be able to submerse myself in writing, reading, and all the creative goodness for 11 days!
When I applied for the residency I had a list of things I wanted to work on:
- Pull together my next full length collection.
- Read/review submissions for my press, Riot in Your Throat.
- Write – obviously!
But between applying for the fellowship and being informed I would be going to VCCA, my next collection was picked up by Write Bloody, so I’ve changed my goals for the time I’m there. Now my list includes:
- Coordinate my book tour. (If you have a cool venue I should read at, let me know!)
- Read/review submissions for my press.
- Write!
Not all that different but still a slight change. I’ve never been to a residency like this, where there weren’t workshops or some other schedule to follow. While I’m there I’ll be entirely free of my usual duties – I’ll take leave from work and sadly, can’t bring my dogs with me – and I’ll be able to focus solely on writing. It’ll be an interesting time and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
If you’ve attended a residency like this before, what recommendations or suggestions do you have?