How do you compress a typhoon?  I knew the residency would be intensive, but I had no real idea of what I was in for:  ten days of classes, study, readings, writing, socializing and the occasional collapse into sleep.  I loved every minute of it, not that I had any sense of time at all.  If it weren’t for the regular meal breaks I would have had a hell of a time knowing where I was supposed to be and when.  The food was pretty good too, although the staff was challenged a bit by some varied special needs among the diners.

The classes themselves would be too much to talk about except to say that both craft class and the workshop covered a lot of good ground for me and left me chomping at the bit to see what I could do over the semester.  I think it says something that I was already seeing improvement in my writing and my approach to writing before the residency was over.

The afternoon classes in the profession of writing were similarly productive for me.  We had a variety of speakers from working writers to agents to editors and more, all of whom had so very much to say.  Just to give a small idea: I am now expanding my view to include nonfiction articles and books (I had already considered essays), children’s books, literary magazines and more.

Whidbey Island is a beautiful place, and the staff of the Captain Whidbey Inn was friendly and helpful.  Although, I must admit I didn’t see much of the island because I was too busy with classes and homework.  I’m not sure that’ll change at future residencies either.

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