I still have to write a detailed post about my writing residency at Surel’s Place. But if you’re curious about how it went and about artist residencies in general, then listen to this episode. I go into some of the ups and downs I experienced as well as the general benefit of getting away, even for a short while, to concentrate on your art.
You can listen to the podcast below or on the episode page where you can see the show notes and also subscribe.
While I was at Surel’s Place doing my residency I interviewed Jodi Eichelberger, the residency’s program director. Jodi is a fascinating person and I enjoyed getting to know him while I was in Boise. Especially since we have a friend in common!
Jodi’s path to being a local arts superstar does begin in Idaho, but it took him through Portland, OR, New York City, and Reykjavik, Iceland. He’s done musical theater, puppetry, and steampunk coffee delivery by bicycle. Like I said, fascinating.
You can listen to the podcast below or on the episode page where you can see the show notes and also subscribe.
My month long residency at Surel’s Place is almost over, and on Thursday it was time for me to show off my work for the local Boise artist community. I read from three of my works set in AfroRetroFuturist Ancient Egypt — The Copper Scarab, the current novel in progress, and a short story in progress — all set in different times about 100 years apart. At the end I also took questions from the most excellent audience, who braved the cold to see me.
I livestreamed the event and trimmed the finished video so the boring parts are all gone.
If you enjoy the reading, you can support ore of the same either by becoming my patron on Patreon or by contributing to my Trip To Egypt crowdfunding campaign. With both, you can read more of the work in progress (depending on what level you donate) as I go.
As previously mentioned, I am the writer-in-residence at Surel’s Place this month. My residency officially starts on the 6th, but I slipped in yesterday so I could get settled while the local artist pop-up shop event is happening. I’m already in love with this house and I know I’m going to get a bunch of work done while I’m here. And since I spent the last month researching, my creative well is super full. I’m ready for this.
While I’m here in Idaho I’m taking part in a few events.
When: Saturday, November 18th 1:00pm–4:00pm
Where: Surel’s Place, Garden City, ID
$10 Registration Fee, click here for Full Description and Tickets (There are scholarships available, just email info@surelsplace.org)
When: Thursday, November 30th
Where: Surel’s Place, Garden City, ID
Free and open to the public
Doors at 6:30pm | 7pm reading, Q&A follows
On Friday, December 1 I’m reading as part of Garden City’s First Friday events, details to come.
I’m also working with the local NaNoWriMo community liaison to do a write-in here at the residency house. If you’re local and part of NaNo, that information will be posted on the local board.
Some exciting news! A week and a half ago I found out I’ve been accepted to be an Artist-In-Residence at Surel’s Place in Boise, Idaho. I am beyond thrilled at this opportunity and so, so grateful to the jury for choosing me.
I’ll be there for the month of November and, per the residency requirements, I will spend that time writing and writing and writing. I’ll also give a workshop to the Boise writer’s community and probably do a reading. November is a fitting month (even though it is cold!) as it’ll also be NaNoWriMo–as good a time as any to concentrate solely on writing.
My hope is that I’ll be done with this draft of the Steampunk Egypt book by then, but if not that’s when I’ll get it done. If I am, then it’s on to Book 2 and/or finally pumping out the YA novel about the girl turning into a dragon. Either way, it’s a whole month to write without having to worry about anything else, including food and travel. GLORIOUS.
This could not have happened without the support of my friends who read my submission stuff and advised me, the folks who gave me recommendations (Claire, Nisi, Mary, you rock!), and the community of residency Binders who inspired me to keep submitting even after many rejections. Many thanks to all y’all.
