Residency Week 6 and some upcoming events

I just finished Week 6 of my residency, leaving just two to go. I've been writing a lot, in my studio in the city, headphones on, laptop on a stand, and my keyboard in front of me. I've also been able to fit in a few events - I celebrated the launch of my friend Ember Celadon's debut, Blood and Binding, saw a screening of the documentary Unafraid about photographer Fiona Clark, and went to a performance of the fast-paced and chaotic-in-a-good-way Speed is Emotional.

There's a lot of great stuff happening in the local arts scene, is what I'm saying.

It's gone better than I expected. Okay, I had the usual mid-book plot meltdown, but my mentor was really helpful with that, and she helped me realise it less needed restructuring so much as a changed emphasis, with some parts shortened and others lengthened. It's been a lot of fun though - writing everything from student activists/nerds to the public service in an emergency, and of course lots of plants. More than that, I've been able to focus and get in some solid blocks of writing - and experienced very little stalling. It's been good for me.

Of course this does lead to the question of how I can make my schedule and work habits work better for me when I'm back in the real world. Working on that.

Relatedly: I wrote for the Carving Space column at The D*List about accessibility and artist residencies: Why we need more accessible writing residencies.

Events

I'll be closing off the residency with a public reading at Toi Pōneke. Reading from an unfinished work is a little terrifying, but I think I've found a good passage to read. All the details are at the link - there's no need to RSVP, and I'd love to see you.

Then a reminder that I'm going to be at Ages of Pages in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on 2 May. Only a month away now. Entry is free so if you're in the area please drop by.

Award nominations

I've just finished making my nominations for this year's Sir Julius Vogel Awards. As always, there are some great books eligible, including Rachael Herron's witchy The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland, H.G. Parry's Tale of Two Cities inspired A Far Better Thing and AJ Lancaster's Rumpelstiltskin-retelling How to find a Nameless Fae. There are still a couple of days to get your nominations in - start with this unofficial spreadsheet of eligible works, and then follow the links to the nomination form.

Next up - I'll be reading the Nebula shortlist and getting my votes in.

That's all from me this week. Maybe I'll catch you at one of the above events?

mā te wā

Andi

Andi C. Buchanan - speculative fiction, creative non-fiction, and the occasional poem 🦑

Andi R. Christopher - sapphic fiction with magic and witchcraft, set mostly in Aotearoa 🧙