Tomorrow begins my writer’s residency at The Hambidge Center!
I’ll be there for five weeks, returning to upstate New York in early October. My goal? To finish as much of my manuscript as possible.
I doubt I’ll complete it like I expected months ago, when I was accepted to Hambidge. I’m a bit behind schedule. (Doesn’t that happen with all big projects?) But if I’m super productive, I should come close.
I’ll start by writing the last eight or so chapters (about 80 pages), which I put aside for this residency. Then, provided I still have time, I’ll loop around to the start of the book to fill a few holes, including the first chapter. I also plan to tighten my theme, take a hard look at my story arc and cut scenes I really don’t need.
What can you expect from the blog this month?
I’m scaling back on blogging, partly because my Internet access will be limited, and partly because I want to focus on writing my book. I’ll post occasionally about my experience at the Center, hopefully with pictures. I’ve also got an awesome series of author Q&As planned, which will run on Mondays (except for next week, when it will post on Tuesday because of Labor Day). The Friday Writers’ Roundup won’t appear again until October.
Next time you hear from me, I’ll be in the mountains of northern Georgia!
This is so exciting! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Jealous. Have a good productive time. Tell us all about it when you get back.
Alexis,
You are blessed to have this opportunity to focus on nothing but your book. Allow it to emerge. It will. Trust it and trust you and trust your process. Don’t worry so much about productivity and number of pages. What do you want us all to know about your experiences backpacking in Africa. Let it come.
Karen
Thanks for the support, everyone! Karen, this is such a good reminder — to trust the process. Take it back to basics, and remember what I want to share about my experience.
This sounds like such a wonderful opportunity for you. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it when you return. Happy writing!
Enjoy your time away. What a wonderful gift, to be able to focus entirely on your writing! Looking forward to hearing about your experience!
Jen
This should be a great adventure of another sort, Alexis. I wish you a productive and energizing retreat.
and with pictures! excellent 🙂
have a great time.
You are so brave! Best of luck! Can’t wait to hear all of the details!!!
I’m so excited for you – and so jealous. I loved my 4 weeks at the Vermont Studio Center. I got so much writing done. I completed a novel that was half done before I got there. And I did editing on it. I think you will be surprised at how productive you can be without distractions.
Can’t wait for reports and pictures!
Helen
Straight From Hel