Been spending the last few days reading the listserve forum for the VC program. Pretty overwhelming at first reading everyone’s posts and trying to figure out what I need to do next.
First, of course, is getting my manuscript done, which I think will require a bit more thought than I had originally planned… I’m going to take a few risks, I think, and hopefully not fall flat on the first residency out. But the pieces I have finished really are as finished as I think they need to be before sending out queries, so that means drafting new work and that’s a good thing.
Second ought to be getting my plane tickets and housing arranged, but I haven’t gotten any details on financial aid disbursements yet, and I want to be sure about that before committing my credit card to anything unrefundable.
So instead, here’s the start of a list of things I know I’ll need to bring (besides the obvious stuff):
Mosquito repellant (because they love me)
Flip Flops
Emergen-C
Manuscripts to read for open mic’s
One good FilAm history book
Laundry Soap
Money for Ben and Jerrys (yay!)
Flash Drive(s)
Cel phone charger
Gal bags for ice packs
Quarters (thanks Dawn!)
Sunscreen (added 4/24)
Hat with wide brim (added 4/24)
Small umbrella (added 4/24)
Walking shoes (added 6/23)
Flashlight & Batteries (added 6/23)
Watch (added 6/23)
Alarm clock (added 6/23)
Dramamine/Sea-bands (added 6/23)
Tylenol/Claritin/Rx (added 6/23)
Small First Aid kit (added 6/23)
Laundry bag (added 6/23)
(check out Travel and Packing Hints, One Bag, and Rick Steves)
That’s the list so far. Digging into details today has helped me with the nervousness.
Action disperses fear. Another good aphorism.
Don’t forget quarters for the laundry. I just cut and paste your list to start one of my own. I still need to buy luggage!
Righto! I’ll add quarters to the list.
I’m still debating on whether to ship stuff early or try to pack it all on the plane with me.
Thanks!