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Heather Johnson Durocher's avatar

I love hearing about this writer experience, Daisy! Though I haven’t (yet) had a weeklong writing-specific getaway such as this, I have experienced pockets of this, like this week as I have worked at my 23-year-old daughter’s apartment a couple hours away for a few days. I don’t have my normal, everyday household and family to-dos and obligations, so I keep thinking I can (should!) be doing some creative things, on top of my regular writing day job. Alas, I am mostly just enjoying my time with Emma and reading. But it feels good, like a bit of a break and some much-needed “me” time, which I hope fuels my writing all the more.

Also, this is a good time to share that because of you and your amazing novel (which I just loved so, so much), I applied to the Gateless Academy ... and was accepted! I’m over the moon and am so excited/nervous to get started! Thank you for letting me know about it -- awhile back, actually, and then when I read more about it in recent time because of one of your posts, I decided to go for it!

Thank you, as always, for sharing your stories here. It’s always so inspiring to read!

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Daisy Alpert Florin's avatar

I am so happy to hear this!! can't wait to hear about your experience xx

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Deborah Cort's avatar

Congrats on being accepted into the Academy Heather! As someone who also went through the program, I too can assure you - it's fantastic! Enjoy!

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Heather Johnson Durocher's avatar

Oh, Deborah, this is wonderful to hear! I’m so glad to know it was just as meaningful for you. I am so excited!

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Kathy Das Gupta's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. The critic is LOUD and the need to justify time away is difficult. It is good to know one is not alone in that struggle. You are a gift, Daisy.

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

Loved this post--you captured so much of the retreat experience. Going to look up Prospect Street now.

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Emily Maloney's avatar

I can't wait to read your new work, and I too am absolutely feral on retreats/residencies. I feel this so much.

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Daisy Alpert Florin's avatar

feral: exactly! same same. hope the writing is going well for you xx

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