Writing Colonies as a Lifeline

Today's New York Times Book Review had a backpage essay about writers' colonies today.  It's a world that many emerging writers don't know about, but it could be their lifeline.  The Times article talked about Macdowell and Yaddo--the biggies--(I can't seem to get into Macdowell no matter what I write or who recommends me--aargh!).  But there are many others.  My first experience at a writers' colony was Hedgebrook on Whidbey Island in Washington state.  It is only for female writers and it was a haven.  I lived in my own cottage with a sleeping loft and kitchenette.  There was a shared shower/bath and laundry house not too many steps away.  My lunch was brought to the door in a lovely basket, and dinner was served in the main house with the other five residents.  It really changed my world--to have my own space, to have my writing (then 1997 and i hadn't written a publishable word) respected and recognized--it was amazing.  Since then I have become a colony junkie: Jentel Arts, Djerassi, New York Mills Cultural Center.  Each has had its own memorable features and each has been a place of profound creativity for me.