Apply for the thing! If there is anything I’ve learned over the years, it’s to go for any and every opportunity that comes your way, even if you think you don’t have a chance. You never know, and you have absolutely nothing to lose.
I recently received the news that my application for a residential fellowship at Chateau d’Orquevaux in France this October was successful. I’m still buzzing over the news, and I can’t wait to see what other new writing project ideas might spring from my time away in such a beautiful part of the world.
This residency also comes at the perfect time, when I will most benefit from space outside of the familiar to edit my novel, having just completed the Faber Academy’s novel writing course.
To have the opportunity to work on my novel in a fairytale castle and meet the other writers in residence will be unreal. I’ll be living out my Beauty and the Beast dreams!
If you’re curious about the residency experience and want to know what’s out there, check out this awesome resource, resartis here
And don’t let imposter syndrome or any naysayers stand in your way! The rewards for taking a chance far outweigh any niggling doubts you may have.
Arianne James 