Day 11 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 11

This picture from my morning walk is just a reminder that Nimrod is very rural. One sees old cisterns, cow pastures, horses grazing… In years past I’ve seen deer, close enough to photograph, but the rabbits are usually too fast and always too small.

hay bales in morning mist, Nimrod Hall, Virginia
Morning walk at Nimrod Hall

The wonder of the morning, however, was absolutely stationary: one of the most notable trees of Virginia. Here I am, standing inside the biggest sycamore I’ve ever seen.

Author Vivian Lawry standing inside giant, hollow sycamore tree
Me inside the tree

Indeed, here are all of the Week 2 writers with this tree.

Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program writers standing inside giant hollow sycamore tree
Week 2 writers with the tree

I will not tell you where it is, for the property owner treasures his privacy. But when last officially measured, it was 33′ in circumference and 105′ tall. This tree is incredible.

Hollow in giant sycamore tree near Nimrod Hall, Virginia
View of the tree

Here it is from the other side. I can imagine children sheltering from the rain, or defending the castle. Or maybe the attackers were pirates, for the tree overlooks water, as sycamores do.

View of river and riverbank near Nimrod Hall, Virginia
View from the tree

Returning to reality–if  writing fiction can be labeled reality–I started restructuring my novel. News flash: deciding to do it is a whole lot easier than doing it!

Because we are such an intimate group this week, only one writer was “on” today, Jane Shepherd. Jane writes memoir and fiction.

Author Jane Shepherd holding paper mâché wedding cake
Jane Shepherd

We were together when I found the diary and scrapbook that launched me into my historical novel. AND she is the one who brought the wedding cake seen here and in earlier posts.

At Nimrod there is a sameness, but always a new adventure. I love it.

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 10 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 10

One of my favorite walks up Nimrod Lane passes this tiny graveyard. Three members of the Smith family are buried here–gone and forgotten?–and several mornings each summer, I pay my respects.

graveyard on Nimrod Lane

I’ve always loved graveyards and cemeteries. I have a favorite tree in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA. In fact the main picture on my website was taken there, in the first garden cemetery in the US. And as some of you may know, my story in Virginia Is For Mysteries is “Death Comes To Hollywood Cemetery”— which is in Richmond, VA, and is the third oldest garden cemetery in the US.

But enough, before I get carried away sending pictures of my skull jewelry. BTW, skulls are also a symbol of transformation.

skull rings

My work today had nothing to do with death or cemeteries, though my new novel will have much to do with transformation. I spent the morning trying to apply the structure used for “Brokeback Mountain” (by Annie Proulx, in Close Range: Wyoming Stories) to my novel. In that story, only 30 pp, I saw how a story spanning decades can be compelling while (by?) leaving out a lot.

The two writers “on” today were widely divergent and wonderful.

Foust is a writer, cartoonist, and print maker who lives in Richmond, VA. She is seen here on the Square House side porch with her two new books. Six Of One, Half-Dozen Of The Other is a book of cartoons. Sins of Omission is a collection of stories. Foust specializes in short-shorts, so many of these are only a couple of pages with enormous punch.

Foust, author of Six Of One, Half-Dozen Of The Other and Sins of Omission
Foust

Amelia L. Williams is a prize-winning poet from Afton, VA. Her language is both lyrical and gripping. She has done–and is continuing to develop–an amazing installation of in situ art with integrated poems.

Author Amelia L. Williams
Amelia L. Williams

This picture of Amelia was taken shortly before her workshop and reading. Obviously, Nimrod writer weeks are pressure cooker sorts of events.

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

 

Day 9 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 9

Who but Nimrod Writer Women would be passing around a paper mâché wedding cake at breakfast? A few years back, NPR put out a call for short stories about the wedding cake in the middle of the road (or something close to that). But story possibilities are endless!

Nimrod Hall writers lifting paper mâché wedding cake at breakfast

I’m not sure what the central decoration is supposed to represent, but think about it. Imagine the symbolism! I’m just saying…

paper mâché wedding cake topper

Here’s one thing at Nimrod that’s even less needed than fake wedding cake. No writer is ever disturbed between breakfast and lunch–and seldom otherwise.

"Do not disturb" sign on door knob

Speaking of meals–as I sort of was–the food is great, especially the salads. Tomatoes grown here. Crisp sweet peppers. Corn cut off the cob. Black beans. Green beans. Asparagus. Shredded kale. Quinoa. And I, for one, had never considered thinly sliced raw Brussels sprouts!

Frances and I walked near the old boys camp mess hall. Even in their heyday, I’m sure the food was nothing to write home about!

Nimrod Hall abandoned old boys' camp mess hall
old boys camp mess hall

Frances Webb Burch and I walked past the old mess hall after lunch today. She is my most frequent walking partner. She writes wickedly funny essays about sex and aging, touching memoirs about coming of age in the 50s, gritty stories about mothers and daughters–and sometimes dips into magical realism. She is one of the Founding Mothers of the Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Programs, first visual arts and then writing.

Frances Webb Burch, author
Frances Burch, classy as this Tesla

Frances was “on” today, as was I. And as Monday is my preference, I was a happy camper. I workshopped 15 pages of a new novel. Tonight I read a short story in progress. And now I must stop this, for Cathy Hankla, writer in residence, assigned me to read “Brokeback Mountain” and consider point of view, distance, and narrator as I revise 3-5 pp of my new novel!

Vivian Lawry, author
Happy me

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

 

Day 8 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 8

En route from Hot Springs to Nimrod, I paused at Warm Springs. What were once known as the Warm Springs Baths are now called the Jefferson Pools because Thomas Jefferson so often took the waters here. This is the men’s bathing house, built in 1761.

men's bathing house at Jefferson Pools, Warm Springs, Virginia

In 1836, a separate Ladies Pool House was opened, fed by a separate spring. The roof of the octagonal Ladies Pool House is open to the sky. The water is always 98 degrees. Bathing suits are optional. I love it! Both NETTIE’S BOOKS and “War and Murder at Nimrod Hall” have scenes set at the Jefferson Pools.

Ladies bathing house at Jefferson Pools, Warm Springs, Virginia

I was back at Nimrod before the Week 2 writers arrived.

Empty porch at Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program

I reset my workspace and polished my memoir a bit. But I also had time for the sort of nature Nimrod is known for.

Nature at Nimrod Hall: a brown moth

Week 2 is a more intimate group, 7 total. I had the foresight to ask permission to talk about them on-line, and so will be introducing you to individuals this week.

This week, everyone knows each other to some degree, so we skipped introductions and went directly to “brag time” talk about the year’s accomplishments. Since last Nimrod, I’ve had 5 short stories published, plus the DIFFERENT DRUMMER collection–very gratifying!

Book cover of Different Drummer: A Collection of Off-Beat Fiction by Vivian Lawry

We talked about goals for the week. Cathy Hankla (this week’s writer-in-residence) read from her forthcoming book. Charlotte Morgan (who administers the writing workshops ms is writer-in-residence for Week 3) read from the novel she is writing. More about both of them later, but you might want to check them out online.

Full moon over Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program and Writers' Workshop

Returning to Square House under the Nimrod moon, I smiled. The words “incest” and “orgasm” have already been uttered. The topics of “gender-fluid” identity and hashtags have been broached, along with art in place and environmental conservation. It’s going to be that kind of week! 😊

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Wild Women Writers of Nimrod Hall

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

The People

I spent last week with a wonderful group of writers. Here we are at the conclusion of Week One. (I’m on the far left.)

women writers at Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program
Week One writers at Nimrod Hall Writers Workshop

This is Sheri Reynolds, writer-in-residence for the Week One workshop at Nimrod Hall. She’s a New York Times bestselling author AND a great workshop leader. The latter isn’t surprising, as she teaches creative writing at Old Dominion University, where she holds the Morgan Chair of Southern Literature. She’s as funny as she is accomplished. I’m fortunate to have had this workshop with her!

Author Sheri Reynolds at Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program

Now to begin Week Two.

This is a note card by Richmond’s own Susannah Raine-Haddad–Perfect for the arrival day of Nimrod Writer Women, Week Two.

Note card showing women standing in a stream. Text reads, "We arrived at Nimrod with no baggage"

Actually, it’s true only in spirit. In the flesh we are laden with laptops, works in progress, books, wine, snacks, comfy clothes and anything else deemed necessary for a productive week! (Remember my first post?)

Here’s to another week of wine, women and words.

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 7 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 7 – Around Nimrod

My husband and I spent the day in Clifton Forge (visiting Alleghany Highlands Arts and the C&O Railroad Museum) and in Hot Springs (at the Bath County Art Show). To get from one to the other, we drove Rt 606. Writing was never far from my thoughts.

Clifton Forge, Virginia, 1910 view of Ridegway Street
Clifton Forge, Virginia, 1910

In “War and Murder at Nimrod Hall” (forthcoming in February, 2016, in the next volume of Virginia Is For Mysteries) Clara and Major Bruce arrive at Millboro Depot on the Virginia Central Railway.

And in my novel Nettie’s Books, people were always “in the C&O”–meaning the hospital in Clifton Forge–or going to Clifton Forge for banking or shopping.

Who knows? Maybe I’ll write more fiction set in this area. Just yesterday I was wearing a T-shirt that says, “Careful, or you’ll end up in my novel.” A woman in a parking lot stopped me to say she’d first misread  it as, “Careful, or you’ll end up in my navel.” IMAGINE THAT!

The road we traveled was full of hair-pin bends, switchbacks, and S-curves–not even a full two lanes wide. It reminds me of Kentucky roads of my childhood. I imagine Nettie and Roy (in my 1930s novel) would have considered this road a superhighway!

back roads in Virginia
Virginia back roads

Tonight we had dinner in Hot Springs at The Golden Pigs–small, but excellent food. We liked it so much last night that we returned tonight.

The Golden Pigs in Hot Springs, Virginia
The Golden Pigs

And it came to my attention that The Homestead doesn’t have a lock on the steam from the springs!

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Off to Nimrod Hall 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

 

Day 6 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 6

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop writers walking

Closing out the first week: by this morning, we were five walkers instead of two. We walked to the high bridge–and talked, of course.

Along the way, we passed Heaven’s Gate. This new, polished sign is the only Nimrod upgrade I can’t really appreciate.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop sign reading, "Heaven's Gate"

Returning, I had a rare view of Nimrod from the back.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop view of Nimrod Hall through morning mist

My husband picked me up about noon for a weekend away. We drove through Highland County, VA, and Pocahontas County, WV. The mountains look more rugged than around Nimrod.

Mountains Highland County, VA, or Pocahontas County, WV

On one walk, I came across this big, flat rock. It reminded me of a rock at Granny and Grandpa’s–the Old Home Place–at the head of Old House Creek. That rock hosted tea parties with tiny china cups and snakes taking the sun.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop sunning rock

And as I wind down the day, the story ideas generated this week swirl me to sleep–ideas generated on walks and alone in my room, but mostly during talks of family, relationships, sex, religion–talks walking, eating, sipping wine after dinner. Next week will be great!

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4 

Day 5

Day 5 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 5

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop sign reading, "Please do not explore the old camp cabins. They are not safe. Enjoy from a distance! Thank you"

Once upon a time, and for a long time, there was a boys’ camp here. I think that ended somewhere around 1950. This morning’s walk took me by the remains.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop abandoned cabins of old boys' camp

Earlier, I posted a picture of folks waiting for the breakfast bell. FYI, all meals are served family style. And, by the way, said food is great. Here’s a picture of this week’s writers at lunch.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop writers at lunch around table

Today was yin/yang, emotionally–a wonderful experience coming to an end. Dr. Seuss, in his personal persona, said something like, “Do not weep that it is done, smile that it happened.” Seems right.
Author Vivian Lawry at Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop
So, last day of focused writing. I’ve nearly finished polishing a short memoir piece AND I have half a dozen wacky ideas for short fiction. All very gratifying.

After dinner tonight, we had our last hoorah: ten of us read for five minutes each. I read the first 2.5 pages of “War and Murder at Nimrod Hall”–to be published in February of 2016 in the sequel to Virginia Is For Mysteries–and I didn’t take pictures! Opportunity lost.

Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri Reynolds, Cathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Off to Nimrod Hall

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4 

Day 4 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 4

On a usual day at Nimrod, another writer and I start with a walk. Mist shrouding the mountains is typical.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop misty lane

 

As we walk, chatting about changes over the past year, writing, weather, nature–whatever–the sun burns off the mist.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop mist lifting

We can enjoy the glory of day lilies and spider webs new each morning.

We are usually back by 8:00, grab a mug of coffee, and join other writers and guests waiting for the breakfast bell.

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop writers waiting for the breakfast bell outside

By 9:00 or a little after, I’m back in Square House. From then till 1:30 lunch is quiet time, when all good little writers are pounding out pages of prose and poetry–or at least not disturbing others!

Nimrod-Hall-Day-4-Square-House

 

UPDATE: Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri ReynoldsCathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Off to Nimrod Hall

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 3 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Nimrod Hall Travel Log

Day 3

Yesterday was a tough writing day. I couldn’t control the movements of my cursor–no creating, editing, or even printing documents. At a writing workshop! I tried everything I or others could think of. By late afternoon I was ready to pull my flat hair out by the roots. But as I was starting to unplug the @!*#¥ thing, I noticed how hot it was. Could it possibly be suffering heat stroke? What you see below is The Fix: four travel-size bars of soap elevating my laptop and allowing air flow.

Laptop on soap during day 3 at Nimrod Hall Writers Workshop

BTW, this big wooden table isn’t the one I brought from home. Between last year and this, “my” room in Square House was gifted with this table and an arm chair. Whoopee!

Rain this morning prevented my before-breakfast walk, so no scenic views along Nimrod Lane or the Cowpasture River–but there’s still time!

Anyway, great writing today. Yesterday’s workshop feedback inspired me to create a more powerful ending for my memoir. I think it will be ready to send out soon!

UPDATE: Nimrod Hall, established in 1783, has been providing summer respite from everyday stress since 1906. It has been operating as an artist and writer colony for over 25 years. The Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program is a non-competitive, inspirational environment for artists to create without the distractions of everyday life. The 2015 Writers’ Workshop writers-in-residence are Sheri ReynoldsCathryn Hankla, and Charlotte G. Morgan

Nimrod Hall Travel Log Posts

Off to Nimrod 

Day 1

Day 2