I have done my most inspired writing at artist colonies. Right now, I am counting down the days to my upcoming residency at Ucross in Wyoming. In the meantime, I am trying to conjure that same state of mind as I work through the final revisions of my manuscript. What is it about the residency that makes writing seem easier and the writing results more vibrant and bold?
At Jentel, I have felt like the lid came off my thoughts under that big Wyoming sky. At Djerassi, I felt adventurous as I walked through the amazing nature preserve and that wild feeling translated into the writing. At Hedgebrook, I felt safe enough--cocooned in my little cottage--to grieve.
During all of those times, I felt very raw--a feeling that's hard to cultivate in the real world. In fact, it seems dangerous. So what to do? I think I will take a nap.
