I’m still drooling from my writing retreat @kimbiliofiction in Taos, New Mexico. The retreat was uplifting, empowering, healing, and I learned so much about writing and craft. I left the residency feeling like I’m on the right track with my novel in progress. I can see the finish line! Well, at least the first-draft-finish-line, which will be in December 2019. Oh, the retreat was intellectually intense as well. Everyday we had a writing workshop, then a craft workshop, and then a reading. I took naps between each session to give my brain some rest, and adjust to the time difference. (I went from Culoz to Lyon to Pais to London to New York City. I arrived in New York City at 11:00pm, I washed my clothes, packed, drank wine with my friend Lara, slept for two hours and woke up at 6:00am to catch a 9:00am flight to Santa Fe.) First photo: #zzpacker who is gracious, wickedly smart, and she can recall everything you said. Second photo: My workshop cohort. Lots of great writers come down the publishing tube. Third photo: The 2019 Fellows. Wow, they are funny. #hella smart, giving, and they will make your soul smile. Fourth photo: All the writing instructors: David Haynes, (I love that one moment he’d be all regular and then the next moment he’d break out with the deepest thing you’ve ever heard) @ravihoward , ZZ Packer, @reeamilcarscott (seriously enjoyed his craft talk) Asali Solomon, and the super talented and sweet coordinator Diana. Fifth Picture: Ravi Howard and moi! He was the workshop instructor for my novel submission. He’s humble, undercover funny, and gave me great feedback and suggestions. Last photo: moi just enjoying nature and my long hike! #humble #instagood #inspiration #blackwriters #blackwomen #novel #love #newmexico #immigrantwriters #weneedmorediversebooks #writer #residency #blackcreatives #emergingartist #weneedartmorethanever #caribbeangirl #islandgirl (at Taos, New Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0zGW5MAhHL/?igshid=p0aro5sspbo8
