The Vermont Studio Center residency for writers and artists

For the past two weeks I’ve been at the Vermont Studio Center residency in Johnson, Vermont. I’m here with about fifteen other writers and some thirty artists who are all just taking the time to dedicate some work to the artistic practice of their choice. How cool? And I still have almost two weeks left!

It has been an incredible experience so far with opportunities to write, read, learn from other writers, listen to poetry, and observe some of the art that the artists are working on. While I’m here I’m working on a new novel as well as the edits for a second novel, but I’ve also managed to get some poetry and non-fiction writing happening. It is a great environment to focus in, helped tremendously by the provision of my own office, comfortable room, and three delicious meals a day. I keep getting the feeling that I’m at some amazing creative camp.

I have experienced my first snow storm with about half a metre of snow in two days. On the sunny days I have also spent a huge amount of time walking around Johnson on some of the river walks and up into the suburban mountains behind the town. Vermont is the state that is most covered in trees, and the views around Johnson are extremely scenic.

After four years at a desk job with limited creativity it is quite overwhelming to be given the space to create, and to write what I want to write. I hope you all get to take that opportunity some time in your life.