I interrupt normal blog transmission to share breaking news of the novel’s progress:
I have been selected as a 2014 Varuna Residential Fellowship Recipient.
What is that? I hear you ask. Well, it’s bed and board and a writing desk for two weeks, at Varuna, the National Writer’s House in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains of NSW, so I can continue working on my novel.
For me, it means two weeks just to write. Two weeks of no kids. Two weeks of no school pick ups, no ferrying to music lessons or after-school sport. Two weeks of no cooking or cleaning. Two weeks with just one bed to make, one person’s laundry to wash. Two whole weeks …
More importantly, it means someone (four people actually) liked my novel enough to give me this fellowship, and that knowledge alone is enough to keep me going …
I will now return you to our usual programming …
Yay! Go Louise! This is a really big deal, extremely competitive in the selection process, and a real vote of confidence. Well done. I am so happy for you.
Thanks, Iris, and even more thanks for reading my manuscript and the feedback you gave. It was invaluable, truly, and I’m sure helped to get it over the line!
It was already very good. You really do have what it takes. Well done.
🙂 Thanks, Iris.
This is great news, important news Louise! It’s a huge stamp of approval, about you as a writer and the current project you’re working on. And it’s a Fellowship that couldn’t go to a nicer or more talented individual. However, I know, how damn hard you’ve worked for this moment. Here’s to many more such moments! Good on ya!
Thanks, Marlish, for your encouragement and support. Now all we need is for Freo to win today … 🙂
A hearty Congratulations to you, daunting and inspirational at the same time I imagine. xxx
Thanks, Rae. The most daunting thing will be clearing the kids’ schedules so that my husband isn’t too encumbered while I’m not here for two weeks! 😉
Congratulations again, Louise! I hope you find it a very productive and inspirational experience. In the meantime, you are welcome to borrow my copy of the Eleanor Dark biography, if you like. I was given it on my arrival at Varuna as standard issue but wished I had been able to read it beforehand.
When were you at Varuna, Lynne? I’d be interested in hearing all about it. And I’d really love to borrow the biography. If you send me your address (via FB message or via the contact page on this website), I can call in and collect it.
Congratulations Louise! That is wonderful news. I’ve heard amazing things about Varuna and I’m so pleased for you. As you say, it is not just the gift of time but the vote of confidence in your work. I hope it will be hugely productive for you and I look forward to reading all about it.
Thanks, Annabel. It has given me a much-needed confidence-boost (they’re always needed!). I’m so looking forward to it, and I’ll be sure to write all about it. How is your Ark app going?