Writing at Banff Centre

I’m at the Banff Centre’s Writing Studio, working on my new manuscript project. More than the beauty of surrounding mountains and impressive facilities available to artists, what I appreciate is the ability to collaborate and be mentored by accomplished authors.

This is what I believe is both difficult and necessary about writing fiction—being alone. I write best when I’m in a solitary mindset and environment, but writing isn’t just about me. The reader is essential and when you don’t have the support and honest feedback of a careful, skilled reader, it becomes difficult to know how you can make a manuscript the best it can be.

I’m only on my first day but this program is rich with careful, skilled reader-mentor-teachers who are more than willing share their talents. It’s a real privilege to be here.

And the views don’t hurt one bit.