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Clarke Cabin Confab

When I first arrived at KSP, I struggled with the silence. Used to working in the bustle of a busy café or with my cat meowing for attention, it was a bit unnerving at first. However, I quickly learned to appreciate the clarity of thought silence can bring and, within a couple of days, I had decided that silence was the bee’s knees (as was watching the actual bees through the window of Clarke cabin). Of course, it never was truly silent – my writerly thoughts formed against a backdrop of magpies warbling, the occasional crow adding its two-cents’ worth.

During my two-week stay, my aim was to finish restructuring the plot of my YA novel and to write a decent chunk of the third draft. I embraced having so much physical space dedicated solely to my writing and immediately spread out my index cards in a story arc on the rug, revelling in the knowledge that no one but me would have to tip-toe around them. Each card was labelled with a plot point, and for the first three days of my residency I could be found pacing my cabin, muttering to myself and occasionally pausing to shift cards back and forth – the picture of creative madness. By day four, I had settled on my new plot structure and had written a new synopsis. Then I was off! By the end of my stay, I had completed over 20,000 words of my third draft. I had also attended a writing group, a workshop, and a library event, through which I developed my skills and knowledge.

One of the highlights of my stay was an unexpected visit from a neighbourhood cat, as is evident from the camera roll on my phone (two photos of my cabin, three-thousand of my furry friend). It was nearing the end of the two weeks and I was missing my own fur-babies when, sensing the opportunity for some belly-rubs, in strutted a fluffy tabby – bringing half the Australian bush with her. I picked the leaf-litter from her fur and, in return, she helped me shred some discarded notes. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

While having the dedicated time and space in which to write was amazing, I’m not sure I would have survived two weeks in solitude, even with my feline friend. Fortunately, my two fellow residents – Tineke and Ingrid – were incredibly warm, open, and generous with their knowledge and experience. The three of us cooked, ate, and drank wine together on Katharine’s veranda most evenings, even adventuring out for a couple of meals. Through talking with them, I gained insight into the process of memoir-writing, developed an appreciation for spoken-word poetry, and deepened my awareness of the issues with writing about minority groups. I also learned how to cook eggplant to perfection, and probably consumed more salt than I’ve eaten in my life! On the final night, the three of us enjoyed a farewell dinner, including readings from each of our works-in-progress. I found their feedback on my work hugely encouraging.

I am deeply grateful to the KSP Writers’ Centre for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the Fellowship program. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer setting in which to work on my novel and to develop friendships with like-minded people. I strongly encourage other young emerging writers to apply – it is an opportunity not to be missed.

Applications to KSP's 2019 Fellowship program open on Monday 20 August:

http://www.kspwriterscentre.com/fellowship-program

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KSP WRITERS' CENTRE ACKNOWLEDGES THE SHIRE OF MUNDARING

AND OUR MANY SPONSORS FOR THEIR MUCH-APPRECIATED SUPPORT

 

The KSP Foundation management team respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

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This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

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