Damn. No, I do understand that entirely - after all, I just stopped for ten years.

All I can do then is say that I hope they do come flooding back, to enrich you again.

Fourthing the "not their decision to make" vote from above.

I've also taken long periods off from actively writing. I'm very slowly working my way back into. Because I can't "not" do it at some level. Sometimes writerliness is more active than others. No one else's judgement to make.

I must go read Victor's article posthaste, I think.

I'm commited for a week in March as a "writer in residence" (hah!), and I've already decided that will be the last dedicated effort at writing for a while. No phone, no distractions, just a room and a desk and a chair for four-five days. I have volunteered to talk, while I'm there, to a high school class about writing--that's a way to pay my freight, as it were, for the residency. If nothing genuine happens, then that's it. I'm officially detaching from the group. I may specify a six-month break, just to cushion it a bit. But I just don't feel right going on the way I have been.

Thank you for your backup. It was sorely needed today.

I wasn't sure--still am not--this thread was the appropriate place for this subject. So thanks for the input, and sorry for the hijack.

Of course this is the place for this subject. Struggling with inspiration/identity is as much a part of any writers life as reams of paper and a keyboard.

Bev, how does one go about finding a residency like that?

Check with local universities and colleges with strong writing departments. Both my groups are affiliated with Salem College and its Center for Women Writers. There's a very strong writers' network in the south, even though it is rife with Grit Lit. Some residencies are only for writers who live in that particular state (this one is), but there are others more open. Some, the more famous ones like MacDowell, charge a fee but provide more services (meals delivered to your door, for instance). This one is for 15 days total per year to writers who qualify, free lodging. You bring your own food (there is a catering kitchen on premises, but a small private kitchen for writers' use), linens, and other amenities. There's a single dialup internet link in the writers lounge, and a small, slow computer. There is also a hookup for laptops, but it's still dialup. A single phone, also in the lounge. A library, extensive formal and informal gardens for walking, places to sit and read, write, or contemplate, and several miles of walking trail in the state park that borders the estate (It's also close to an army gun range, and when I was there last March, the two centuries-old glass rattling in the window frames was a very strange juxtapostition). No tv. You can bring your own, but there's no cable hookup.

Other places offer different things, but I should think you'd find one that suits your needs. Here's a listing of programs and retreats--including Ireland!

A writer I knew from TT and Readerville, Susan Ito, goes to a convent periodically. But I'd start with the universities and colleges, they usually have that sort of information available.

oh, I know Susan Ito quite well. She's local to me - lives in the East Bay. I should be seeing her on the 24th.

Question. Can someone beta a short piece for me? It was a nice tight little thing I wrote as a flash fiction, and has been slightly expanded. (Was 490 words, is now about 725 words)

I can read it tonight, Deb. If that's soon enough, you can email it to me at the addy you've sent to before.

Me.

The stuff I said? About the group and stuff? Doesn't apply to you. You know that, right?

(blinking)

Bev, never occurred to take it personally, love. Honestly.

Will send you both via email. And merci. This was a request for a submission to an online magazine startup, with urban life as its theme.

edit: Astarte, not sure I have the right email for you. Different from your profile? Because I have your profile addy as my contact email.