“You can’t leave one trip without knowing you’ve got the next one booked, eh?” said Kevin. He was laughing of course…and just to be clear, he was completely supportive of the whole idea too. It was our last week in France and I had just been accepted to a writer’s residency in Oaxaca, Mexico.
I’d thought about doing a writer’s residency for years. But it was this year’s trip to San Miguel de Allende, where I met the lovely Sarah Stonich, that the idea gelled. Sarah told me she’d done a few different residencies and had found them to be extremely helpful in her writing. Considering the list of fabulous books with her name on the cover, I decided to give it a whirl.
She sent me a link to a list of Writing Residencies and I started to go through the list while we were in France. Between that one and Mira’s List, I had a lot to choose from. I wanted one that was easy to get to and a similar time zone and one that was taking bookings sooner than later (NOT because I have an issue with needing immediate gratification…uh, no, that’s NOT why…no really, that’s not it).
So. I’m accepted into Arquetopia in Oaxaca for three weeks starting at the end of September. Coincidentally, that should be about the time the Vancouver heavens darken and the rains start their unremitting drizzle.
I have taken another emminently-qualified writer’s advice (thank you Andreas Schroeder) to keep mum about what I’m planning to write. I like that idea, especially since I don’t really know what’s actually going to happen while I’m in Oaxaca.
But I know he’s right. I have discovered that talking about what I’m going to write seems to bleed the life from the actual writing.
This is a solo plan. No feedback from friends or other writers, no writing group, just me and some scrambled up words on a page. Rather terrifying to comtemplate, but therein lies the very reason to do it. One is supposed to face one’s fears now isn’t one? (insert imperious voice here).
As Andreas said, “You need to stretch yourself if you’re going to grow as a writer.” I do agree, though I have to think that when they stretched those people on that medieval rack, it didn’t always turn out for the best.
What I like about this pending trip is it removes my excuse about being unable to travel and write (which I whinged about here). I will have the best of both worlds…the happy discoveries of being Somewhere Else but with no other distractions.
All I’m there to do is write. No friends. No husband. No family. No pool. No pets. Nada.
No excuses.
Colleen, thanks for your well wishes and YES I know you love random. The older I get, the more RANDOM things I want to be doing…Am loving life. Just need to travel more! Am really missing my writing days–
Just say Yes to Random. Maybe we could get a bumper sticker going:)
I sometimes see my randomness spilling over into what might be considered erratic or downright flaky behaviour, but then that older/elder/attitude/thing kicks in and I just. don’t. care.
The freedom to learn to just be whatever/whenever/whomever is a long process but I think I’m getting there! Glad to have your company along the way.
What a great idea! I haven’t done one of these but, like you, I have been thinking about it for years. Can’t wait to hear all about it. 🙂
Lori, I’m really excited about this plan and will definitely give you the full scoop. There are so many great sounding places to go but I loved Oaxaca when we were there many years ago, and am looking forward to being there again.
Thanks Colleen! One day. One day. Hey, I did launch my new travel site finally. More of a food / wine / travel …randomness site but would love your feedback. See my new site at http://eatdrinknplay.com
Gwen, I love your new site and the studio! Way to go on the art studio…And you HAVE to know that I love anything random and non-linear 🙂
That space looks amazing, lovely, with the perfect texture of walls to stare at for inspiration (and they feed you, yes?)
Sarah, I never go anywhere that doesn’t include food! Yes, they provide the meals. I love that plan. Thank you again for providing the inspiration for me to make the move.
Congratulations! I hope you’ll add on a few days and come visit me in Puerto Escondido. I’ll be there all September and it’s a short bus ride from Oaxaca City. Or I can come up to Oaxaca City and see you once you’re out of retreat mode. Mexico seems to be our new meet-up place!
Michele, that’s great news. I thought you’d be off in Guatemala or something so yes, I’d love to see your place. I haven’t booked the air yet, so let’s talk dates.
Woohoo! Can I be envious? Just a little? Congrats! You will love it, I’m sure!
Yes, you can Gwen. It was because of reading and being envious of other people doing this, that I finally took the plunge 🙂 So I hope I’m doing the same for you!