It was during a recent writing residency that I applied for another, so convinced the experience had made me of the critical value of time for a writer. Time without the noise that so often gets in the way of being able to do good work.

For me, a writing residency is about that quiet. There’s finally room in my head to think about the characters, their story and how I can best share these when I’m physically away from the usual busyness of everyday–everyweek–everyyear family life. When stuck during a residency, I walk. I think I’m only walking, but almost all of these walks offer tiny writerly epiphanies, and I head back knowing exactly what I need to write next.

The Minderoo Foundation Artist Residency is by no means only for writers. I’m super excited to be one of four artists to be given one of these project-changing residencies in 2021. Knowing I have the residency ahead is keeping me motivated and focused. It’s an amazing opportunity and one that I know will bring personal as well as professional pleasure.

Thank you Minderoo Foundation!