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Writers Workshop

A residency is a beautiful thing.

As I write this, I’m kicked back in a comfy recliner next to a wood-burning stove in a cozy studio, a room of my own, as it were, smack in the middle of Wyoming. Outside my window, a white-white half-moon rises above a boulder-strewn hill, atop whose peak a pair of bald eagles have made their nest in which to raise two baby bald eagles, all of whom soar past daily. I’ve been awarded a month to write in this studio, to have no other obligations but to work on my novel, to "trust my process" as commanded by the executive director of the foundation, and to live comfortably in the gorgeous six-bedroom house next door with four artists and one experimental filmmaker. Sound insane? Or like heaven? Well, it is, and it’s called being a writer-in-residence.

Residencies provide artists and writers of all kinds the opportunity to pursue their craft unimpeded by the responsibilities of their daily lives (you know, stuff like the telephone, the kids’ homework, nagging spouses, and those pesky things called day jobs). They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but typically include a place to stay and studio/office space. They may or may not provide food or money for food and living expenses. They can range from posh private studio spaces to remote wilderness cabins which require you to hike in and essentially camp out. They can last a couple of weeks or several months. They may serve artists and writers, or only writers, or only artists. You may be expected to teach a workshop, give a reading to the community, provide pages of work in progress at the end of your stay, or none or all of the above. Whatever the particularities of a given residency, recipients are essentially awarded the gift of time to pursue their creative work.

Sounds Great, How Do I Get One?

You apply. Expect to submit a sample of your work, a statement of intent that outlines what you intend to work on while in residence, professional references, and an application fee.

In my experience it’s the sample of your work that counts the most. When the foundation or organization to which you are applying receives your application, your work sample is sent out to a committee of professionals in your genre which then judges the work blindly (in other words, the judges don’t know your name, your achievements, or lack thereof, etc., all they know of you is your collection of poems, your play, short story, or novel excerpt). The judges rank the work samples and inform the foundation of the results. The foundation then extends invitations to the "winners" and maintains a "short list" in case the winners have to cancel for some crazy reason (not as uncommon as you might think).

Because residencies vary so greatly, your guiding principle to the application process should be: Know thyself above all things. If you know that you don’t write well when you have to interact with people, then stay away from residencies which require that you live in a house with four other people, or require you to eat together at community meals. If you know that you work best in the city with lots of stimulation, then stay away from rural residencies. You get the idea.

What Do I Do When I Arrive?

There are a couple of different scenarios. You must either arrange to get to the residency location yourself (I know a woman who hiked all of her food and painting supplies into a remote Lake Superior cabin), or the foundation will arrange to have someone pick you up at the local airport, train, or bus station, and transport you to the residency. From there, you are simply expected to work on your essays, poems, screenplay, whatever. Again, requirements vary greatly.

What Happens When Fame and Fortune Follow?

You graciously acknowledge the foundation’s support in helping you complete your opus. You send them an autographed copy. You donate money to them from the gazillions you earned from your grocery store bestseller. In this way, you help them continue to help other writers who were once like you. This is your way of thanking them.

How Do I Find a Residency?

Poets & Writers maintains a list at: http://www.pw.org/links_pages/Conferences_and_Residencies/

In addition, the National Parks has their own artist-in-residence program. You can browse their site at: http://www.nps.gov/volunteer/air.htm

Finally, check out www.artistcommunities.org

A Final Word

The gift of time is invaluable. We bow down and worship the folks who make residencies possible. Now, I gotta get back to work!

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This is third in a three-part series by Melanie Jennings

Part One:
Should I Get an MFA?

Part Two:
Where Should I Get and MFA?

Photos from Melanie's time at the Jentel Residency in Sheridan, Wyoming

Creek and hill with eagle's nest atop...

Writing Studios...

Hallway in Main House...

Foyer of Main House...

Melanie's studio...

The most essential local establishment, The Mint Bar...