Where Does Your Writing Reside

Where Does Your Writing Reside Is it time for you to apply to that writers residency? Do it. Apply to half a dozen of them. Theres a huge number of options out there, from a week in Colorado to a month in Spain. A few of the best resources are: artistcommunities.org resartis.org/en/residencies/ http://ratemyartistresidency.com A good portion of residencies are for visual artists. But writers, and musicians, too, are usually included in the definition of artist. As well we should be, so keep an eye open. And know this: as a writer you want to go to a residency with artists and musicians, and vice versa. We are all navigating the vast oceans of creativity, and roping our rafts and dinghies and barges together is the best way to sail, if only for a while. This is where inspiration can come from, a gathering of unique and passionate people making friends, making tea, making art. There is serendipitous collision, complimentary growth, and unexpected collaboration. Not surprisingly, the top residencies are free. You pay your travel costs, possibly your food, and sometimes nothing more. If you can get accepted to the Vermont Arts Center, good on you! But the smaller residencies that require a fee are still going to give you the chance to be somewhere unique for far less than the cost of a vacation. You can find financial assistance all over the web, in addition to crowdfunding. creative-capital.org transartists.org/funding Oftentimes, the residency itself will help you find grants or benefactors to pay your fees. Whats more, most residencies are not only thrilled but determined to facilitate public readings, radio interviews, and mixed media openings that will help you promote and sell your work during your residency period. At the same time, you will be cohabiting with and working alongside the most incredible human beings you will ever meet. They will be interested in what you are creating, and your network will grow in fun, fulfilling, life-altering ways. Quite possibly, you will find yourself engaged in elaborate late night conversations about anything from smoked eggplant to abstract painting to