Writing in the Heartland
Posted on 02 August 2012
As I continue to be swamped with work from the day job, dealing with the house, scheduling other activities (riding many roller coasters at Cedar Point falls under “other activities,” so I guess I can’t complain) and also trying to write, I find myself increasingly looking forward to a certain week in October: the week I’ll be attending the Writers in the Heartland residency.
I was out of town on a business trip in early June when I got the phone call that I was accepted for this residency, and since then it’s almost seemed too good to be reality. In October, I’ll drive to Illinois to spend a week “on a secluded lake surrounded by 32 acres of peaceful woodlands and tranquil farmland” near hiking trails and meditating gardens. (When I asked if any sort of public transportation was available from Chicago, I was told no, because the property is “in the middle of open areas.” Love it.)
I’ll have my own private room and writing space, all meals are taken care of, and I’ll abide by quiet hours until at least 5pm every day. I can then mingle with the other writers or maybe take advantage of some of the spa services on site. Above all, I’ll have seven full days to think about nothing but my writing and get some real work done. Translation? Just what I need.
The only catch is that my birthday falls during this week. At first I was a little sad about spending my birthday away from all my family and friends — until I realized, duh, I’ll be spending it in a beautiful place with some peace and quiet and I’ll be getting some major writing work done. Can any of us really ask for a better birthday than that?
I’ve always loved October, and not just for my birthday — no other season can compete with pumpkins, fall foliage, cinnamon-spiced cider, hay rides and autumn air in my book. But now, October will give me an entire week to focus on my new novel, to write new stories, and to read read read. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
What are you looking forward to this fall?
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Well, I’m going to NYC in September to run a 10K with my daughter. And my wife is agitating for a trip to New Mexico in October. And then there’s my little cabin in the woods; once the temps get more reasonable, we may spend a week out there. Kids look like they’ll all be home for the holidays. And the writing. It never stops.
If all goes well, I’ll be going to Bouchercon in early October.
And hopefully working on my next project . . .
funny you should ask…i got a trip in the works that has been a day dream of sorts for awhile, and then today, all of a sudden, it’s an actual thing.
it’s got me skippy.
and i think this, where you’re going to be on your next birthday, sounds like the best birthday gift EVER. and kinda kismet.
Me too! I get to see two of my best writing buddies this fall, and nothing could make me happier.
Private room with quiet time, all meals taken care of and spa services?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Laura, this sounds so lovely! I was just thinking yesterday that you’re soon to be off to Bread Loaf. Have a great time!
Bread Loaf and now this? You are kicking some writerly ass!
Why, thank you, Sherry! I think it all started with that Disney mug full of bloody Marys on our way to AWP this year…
If so, you got a stronger drink than I did.