17 Comments
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Liquid language model's avatar

Generally if I have a big enough chunk of really polished work, I don't need the residency. I need it earlier on when I am in exploratory mode. I wish I could submit already published work if polish is what I need.

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

Most residencies I know of do allow you to submit previously published work as long as it's relevant to the project you're proposing to work on during the residency.

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Jeffrey Yamaguchi's avatar

This is so incredibly helpful, really appreciate all these insights and advice with regard to residencies. Truly appreciate you sharing this wealth of information.

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

Aw thanks Jeff. And the appreciation for sharing insights + advice is likewise. Your newsletter is such a great publishing resource.

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Gioncarlo Valentine's avatar

I just enjoyed this so much, even as a person who has done many residents and can attest to so much of this, I loved reading your thoughts on this!

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

Thanks Gioncarlo! I really appreciate that.

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Nina Michiko Tam's avatar

As someone applying to residencies right now, and dreaming of attending my first one, I couldn't be more grateful for this generous writeup with all these tips!

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

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Love Jonson's avatar

Thank you for this demystifying peek! I am definitely where you were at the beginning of the piece but dream of residencies and writing for my living!

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

It's not as far away as you think (or as I thought!)

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Jude (they/them)'s avatar

Thank you so much for this information - I think I was the one who asked how to spend time at a residency, so I really appreciate you covering that as well!

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

It's a great question, really made me think.

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Heather Aruffo's avatar

Great guide Raksha! And please enjoy Storyknife- it’s the best

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

Thank you Heather! Really excited for that one.

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Ann Getsinger's avatar

Raksha, this is a treat to read. Thank you! Such great advice and insights. I still have a question about paying for residencies. Does one apply for specific appropriate fellowship offerings and if so where is that found on the applications? How does that work? As you know, I’ve been to VCCA and VSC and I didn’t see a place to request consideration for those.

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Raksha Vasudevan's avatar

Hi Ann! I think the process for applying for fellowships/scholarships varies by residency. I don't 100% remember but I think for both VSC and VCCA, you're automatically considered for funding when you apply -- or if you're eligible for certain fellowships, you just tick a box in the application (eligibility is usually based on your discipline and/or your demographic identity). Other residencies might require a separate application or statement of need, but I think this is usually pretty clearly sign-posted on their website. I suppose if it's not or you want to find out more info, you can always email the residency to ask.

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Ann Getsinger's avatar

Thank you for clarifying, Raksha. Very helpful. Love that you offered to do this for everyone. Ann

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