Ahh! I loved her! We didn’t get to work together because she was teaching prose, but we hung at dinner and chatted about Chicago (I lived there for 10 years!)
I don't think I've ever really thought about what a residency is but I've enjoyed reading this, especially the part where you talk about the gift of someone who doesn't understand your work. Thank you for sharing. Im sorry ive not made it to your online stuff recently. It's nice to connect with your writing again though.
Ooh thank you for sharing about your experience! I’ve been curious about trying a writing residency eventually. Good to get some tips and perspective on what that can look like. So happy you were able to attend!
That sounds so amazing. I know as a mom and wife even going somewhere by myself for a weekend can be revelatory. (Omg I no longer have to make decisions for any but myself, what have I been carrying around for all this time without realizing it) I sure this week was so much more than that.
Yes, it’s amazing to have some freedom and space! And time to let my mind fully explore the intellectual headspace without interruption - that part felt the most important
Wonderful post, Alix! I experienced similar growth at Orion’s last Environmental Writing Retreat in the west (which I wrote about last week in my first Substack post). I’m still in touch with many writers I met there, as well as at the Iceland Writers Retreat and the West Cork Literary Festival (in Ireland). All combined workshops with well-regarded writers and the opportunity to explore the culture and/or environment. This last, for me, is essential. It broadens the retreat into a creative travel experience. My husband joined me in Iceland and will be along when I go for a week to Rosemary’s House in Greece, where I’m enrolled in a prose-writing workshop with Megan Stielstra. (Maggie Smith is the poet in residence at the same time!) I’m also MFA-less, so these opportunities have been justifiable investments. But, as happened at Orion, I’ll probably be the oldest person at the workshop in September!!
Wowww that sounds like a cool experience. Am so happy for you! I always dream of being able to have access to these things so it's amazing to see it through your eyes. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this wonderful post! I love Ananda!! I get to work with her here in Chicago! She works with Story Studio.
Ahh! I loved her! We didn’t get to work together because she was teaching prose, but we hung at dinner and chatted about Chicago (I lived there for 10 years!)
I don't think I've ever really thought about what a residency is but I've enjoyed reading this, especially the part where you talk about the gift of someone who doesn't understand your work. Thank you for sharing. Im sorry ive not made it to your online stuff recently. It's nice to connect with your writing again though.
Thanks Claire! And believe me, I get it ❤️❤️🥰
Ooh thank you for sharing about your experience! I’ve been curious about trying a writing residency eventually. Good to get some tips and perspective on what that can look like. So happy you were able to attend!
For sure! I would definitely do it again!
Lovely! So happy for you that you had that time.
Thank you, Tania!!
That sounds so amazing. I know as a mom and wife even going somewhere by myself for a weekend can be revelatory. (Omg I no longer have to make decisions for any but myself, what have I been carrying around for all this time without realizing it) I sure this week was so much more than that.
Yes, it’s amazing to have some freedom and space! And time to let my mind fully explore the intellectual headspace without interruption - that part felt the most important
You didn't bring your BOOKS?!?!?!
I know 🤦🏼♀️
Wonderful post, Alix! I experienced similar growth at Orion’s last Environmental Writing Retreat in the west (which I wrote about last week in my first Substack post). I’m still in touch with many writers I met there, as well as at the Iceland Writers Retreat and the West Cork Literary Festival (in Ireland). All combined workshops with well-regarded writers and the opportunity to explore the culture and/or environment. This last, for me, is essential. It broadens the retreat into a creative travel experience. My husband joined me in Iceland and will be along when I go for a week to Rosemary’s House in Greece, where I’m enrolled in a prose-writing workshop with Megan Stielstra. (Maggie Smith is the poet in residence at the same time!) I’m also MFA-less, so these opportunities have been justifiable investments. But, as happened at Orion, I’ll probably be the oldest person at the workshop in September!!
Ooh I love Orion!! I’ll go check out the post 💙
Thanks!
Wowww that sounds like a cool experience. Am so happy for you! I always dream of being able to have access to these things so it's amazing to see it through your eyes. Thank you for sharing!
I’m going to try to put together a list of residencies for 2026!
I just love love love this for you.
Thanks love!! It was really fun (and a bit overwhelming)