I’ve been working at an artists residency for nearly two months now, as an intern. We just finished accepting all of the applications for the upcoming Fall season, and bundled them off to our jurors. I’ve learned some things throughout this process, and I thought I’d share them. NOTE: These Read more…
I was excited, too, when I saw Alexander Chee’s story about his offhand remark that resulted in a sweet train ride–during which he was free to write or revise, stare out the window as the country rolled by, or nibble on free food, delivered at appropriate intervals, to his “suite.” Read more…
Before you read this post, know that there’s a soundtrack for it, at the end and embedded within–open the links in separate tabs. Sing along if you know the words. * I am a lonely person. This fact is not impacted by the number of friends or lovers I have, Read more…
My writing intensive is over, for all intents &c. My scholar-collaborator and I are still busting our ass trying to finish our piece, but the communication from here on out will be virtual. I have many feelings. But, after several months of being told exactly (and only) how a certain Read more…
What follows is unscripted rambling. I was thinking a lot today and trying REALLY HARD not to roll my eyes too much, so the thoughts & feelings are both many and confused. FIRST: It is hard to work for me, and it is even harder to have me work for Read more…
Wasn’t it just the other night that I was in a schlubby motel in Moab? Tonight I am in the luxurious Tempe Mission Palm Hotel. With an H. I plan on taking full advantage of the gym. And the writing workshops, naturally. But also the gym. (The reason for the Read more…
Have you watched Bad Writing yet? I watched it on my phone over a couple of days recently (I think I may have missed some of the “big screen” nuances, but I was impatient) and there’s a scene where Vernon is talking with Brenda Shaughnessy about social media. She makes Read more…
Today’s post will be brief. It’s late here and I’m tired. Today was not exactly rejuvenating, but it wasn’t like being completely wrung out, either. We drove for much of the day, after a quick second chat with John the sheep farmer. We headed toward the mid-southwestern coast and Opunake Read more…
Today started out with promise. I was well rested, I’d done what I could to let go of the outrages of the day before, and breakfast featured protein—which is a rare occurrence on this trip. We went back to the alpine village that had freaked everyone out the day before Read more…
I am going to rant now, and when I’m done, I’ll be done. It was too cold and windy for most of the group today. So we didn’t get to hike up Mt. Ruapehu (also known as “Mt. Doom” to Peter Jackson film fans). Too cold and windy! These kids Read more…