I’m fresh on the heels of the VCFA WCYA summer residency in Colorado Springs—our last “nomadic” residency before we settle into our new home at CalArts in 2025. Residency, as ever, was the best kind of whirlwind. For the sake of brevity—and because I like lists—here are a few highlights:
I roadtripped from Austin to CO Springs with my cat, Kylie! She travels surprisingly well, but some understandable protest meows kicked in around hour ten of the drive.
In lieu of a traditional lecture, I joined fellow WCYA faculty member Corey Ann Haydu in conversation about the history, purpose, and hopeful future of workshop in MFA programs.
Speaking of which: I had the best kind of workshop group at residency—talented, insightful, generous writers who co-created a supportive and generative environment.
Fantastic lectures from fellow faculty and graduating students. (Invented curse words in middle-grade! What we can all learn from fairy tales and mythology! The power of ending stories in medias res!) Special shoutout to our graduates, the Draft Punks.
A deeply moving Katherine Paterson Chair lecture from Martine Leavitt—I’ll be thinking about and revisiting this one for a long time.
I was made an honorary member of the Onomatoplotters, our rising third semester class! I was tickled pink. (Literally. Pic below.)
Terrific visiting authors and illustrators: Oge Mora and Janae Marks. Wonderful to meet them both.
Residency wasn't the end of my Colorado adventures—I've been bouncing around the state since then, from mountain hikes to reunions with dear friends. All the while, I've been giddy with excitement for the release of a new book!