In Residence

vcca-logo-homeI began my two-week residency at VCCA yesterday, driving over the mountain on a beautiful, sunny day. I settled into my studio in the afternoon and got some writing done in the evening after dinner.

I’ve been coming here for ten years, and although the scenery is very similar to what I have out in the Shenandoah Valley–the main difference being a view of the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains–I’m generally more productive here than I am at home. At home, I rarely work in the evenings, but here I enjoy the couple of hours of additional writing I can get done after dinner, in addition to working all day.

I haven’t met a lot of people yet, but so far everyone is nice and interesting. I only knew two people on the roster from before–one from Sewanee and one from previous stays here at VCCA, so I’ll leave with lots of new friends.

No dramatic goals for this residency. I’m not going to finish anything. I’m hoping to at least nail down the structure for the work-in-progress, which is a blended contemporary and historical story. And I’ll also identify the areas of research I’ll need to do on my January trip to S.E. Asia.

And now: to write.

About the author

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.

Comments

  1. Looks like you and I are going to just miss each other at VCCA. I’m starting a residency there on Nov. 30. I’m sorry we won’t be there at the same time. I’d like to have had a chance to talk with you.

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