Today I applied for a Hedgebrook residency. I have applied ten times before for this residency, which is limited to women. My first experience at a women’s writing residency was The Flight of the Mind in the 1990s. The first time I attended, I completely failed to anticipate the impact of spending a week with eighty women who were concerned only about the written word. That initial week was life altering, and I was fortunate to attend several times. Each time I was terrified at the start and came away brimming with hope.

It frightens me to ask. The last year I attended The Flight of the Mind, I carried the acceptance letter home from the post office and stood sobbing in my garage. I had not admitted to myself how much it meant to me. That was also the last year Flight was held.

Hedgebrook is on my bucket list, and occasionally I threaten not to apply again. But then I do. This year because I have a challenging concept for an SF novel that requires slow work and contemplation, I want the residency very much. But many others need this opportunity. At the least, my application fee will serve a good cause.