Wrapping Up Nimrod, 2016

Posted on August 2, 2016August 1, 2016 by vlaw759

Energy is always high when I arrive at Nimrod on Sunday: getting settled, reuniting with friends, meeting the new writers, and getting the schedule for the week ahead.

I was in Square House again this year, my favorite room! It’s downstairs, dim, and I know where my things will fit and how many extension cords I’ll need.

writing workshop nimrod hall — Cathy Hankla in our workshop

reader nimrod hall — One of our wonderful evening readers

Monday through Thursday at Nimrod is intense: focused writing, talk with fellow writers—who often ask how your work is going, which certainly reinforces that focus and productivity are expected and rewarded—reading every day for workshop, sharing opinions with other readers, then listening to the 8:00 readers after dinner…

All of this happening across varied genres leaves me feeling worn. I suspect others do as well.

So an open day on Friday was cherished! I walked in sunshine for the first time.

imaginative writing janet burroway — *Imaginative Writing* by Janet Burroway

It’s also a chance to tie things up. I (finally) turned to to the reference Cathy Hankla had given me on Monday! Unfortunately, I could not send off “Repair or Redecorate?” because my computer went all wonky. The touch-pad didn’t control the cursor. Damn! But at least it’s ready to go. I started packing to leave on Saturday.

Thurday's readers at nimrod hall: Kristy Bell, Ruth Gallogly, Kit Wellford, Jane Shepherd, Judy Bice — Thurday’s readers L-R: Kristy Bell, Ruth Gallogly, Kit Wellford, Jane Shepherd, Judy Bice

I got a photo of Thursday’s readers on Friday evening, in the course of a most entertaining variety show! This was new to my years at Nimrod. Kristy Bell did an incredible job as MC! We had multiple readings of poetry, fiction, memoir, and all the other genre’s represented here, up and down the emotional spectrum. But we also had musical interludes!

Singers L-R: Judy Bice, Amelia Williams, and Terry Dolson

Terry Dolson accompanied Judy Bice, Amelia Williams, and Sheri Reynolds while the rest of us joined in as well as we could on such classics as “Country Road” and “Bobbie McGee.” I’m here to tell you, Sheri Williams does a mean Janis Joplin!

Most year I’ve gone to the Jefferson Baths. This year, I mourn missing it. But several of us had accepted a neighbor’s invitation for drinks and a visit to the champion sycamore tree: 10 feet across, 33 feet around. It was good viewing and very good scotch!

Every year we take a group picture. This one came was Saturday morning, just after breakfast.

nimrod hall summer arts program 2016 — L-R, kneeling: Foust, Kristy Bell, Nancy Hurrelbrinck,Jennifer Dickinson, Judy Bice, Ruth Gallogly; L-R standing, Terry Dolson, Jane Shepherd, Kit Wellfod, Charlotte Morgan, Cathy Hankla, me, Sheri Reynolds, Molly Todd, David Cooper, Betsy Arnett, Amelia Williams, Frances Burch.

Unfortunately, several people left on Friday. Oh, sigh. Maybe next year!

By 10:00 Saturday morning, Frances Burch and I were on the road. We followed our usual routine: we stopped in Crozet, Virginia for shopping at Over the Moon Bookstore and lunch at Crozet Pizza. For the first time ever, we had their specialty pizza that is a white base, topped with herbs, summer squash, and peanuts! It was excellent.

I was home by 3:00, but Nimrod lingers. There’s always a long re-entry time!

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.

Writers at Nimrod, 2016

Posted on July 29, 2016July 29, 2016 by vlaw759

What a week it’s been! Where to begin? Well, I guess with this message:

Begin Anywhere Nimrod Hall — “Begin Anywere.” -John Cage

So, how about walking through a typical day? As you know, I’m fond of before-breakfast walks—usually damp and misty. But glories abound, from wildlife and flowers along the way, to the little graveyard up the hill, to the Cowpasture River down the hill.

Misty morning Nimrod Hall — A misty morning at Nimrod Hall

Field Nimrod Hall — Flowers in a field found during a morning walk

Graveyard Nimrod hall — A graveyard along the walking trail

People gather to await the breakfast bell, still slightly groggy. But after a coffee infusion and a more-than-ample breakfast, we are hyped for the sacred writing time, which lasts till 1:00 lunch.

Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program — Waiting for the breakfast bell

This year I finished and revised a 6K word short story mystery AND submitted it! So thanks to my fearless leader Cathy Hankla and my workshop/critique group members for comments and suggestions.

Amelia William Foust Nancy Hurrelbrinck Nimrod Hall — Amelia William, flanked by Foust and Nancy Hurrelbrinc.

One of Cathy’s great strengths as a teacher is that she always seems to come up with targeted reading for specific writers. This year she brought Imaginative Writing for me. It contains “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri, a wonderful example of showing an incident from the POV of a hired worker. But of course, Cathy is incredibly talented herself.

Cathryn Hankla Great Bear book — Cathy’s book, Great Bear

I tend to be a cave-dweller, so while others hike, run, do yoga, or go tubing on the river, I keep writing. And everyone understands.

Happy half-hour was typically celebrated with our workshop group, followed by dinner during which we dispersed among the other writers present. Then we adjourn to the renovated Rec Hall for 8:00 readings. On Sunday night, Cathy Hankla and Sheri Reynolds read and Charlotte Morgan gave us our marching orders about the week’s structure.

Cathy Hankla Sheri Reynolds Charlotte Morgan Nimrod Hall — (L-R) Cathy Hankla, Sheri Reynolds, and Charlotte Morgan

David Cooper and I read the first night. I read 600 words on “Repair or Redecorate?” which I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch sometime soon. David is a “retired” man of the cloth and counselor who bicycles, does yoga, and seemed perfectly comfortable surrounded by all these writer women!

David Cooper Nimrod Hall — David Cooper’s reading

Tuesday night’s readings were by Frances Burch, Jennifer Dickinson, Nancy Hurrelbrinck, and Molly Todd.

Frances Burch Jennifer Dickinson Nancy Hurrelbrinck Molly Todd Nimrod Hall

Wednesday night we had Betsy Arnett, Foust, Amelia Williams, Heath Lee, and Terry Dolson.

Betsy Arnett Foust Amelia Williams Heath Lee Terry Dolson Nimrod Hall

Thursday night it was Judy Bice, Jane Shepard, Ruth Gallogly, and Kristy Bell—and I didn’t get a picture! Maybe I can rectify that later.

This diverse group of writers includes poets, fiction writers, memoirists, inspirational writers, historians—you name it. Several are from the Richmond area, and therefore likely to be available for local readings, signings, etc. Besides me, Elizabeth Smart, Frances Burch, Judy Bice, Molly Todd, Kristy Bell, Terry Dolson, David Cooper, Foust, and Suzanne Munson fall into this category. But we also had writers from Roanoke, Boyce, and Afton, Virginia (Heath Lee, Betsy Arnett, and Amelia Williams, respectively), and two from Charleston, WV (Jane Shepherd and Kit Wellford). And then there were the outliers, Ruth Gallogly (Brooklyn, NY) and Denny Stein (Freemont, CA).

These are wonderful, interesting, dear people. What are the chances that I’ll see them again before next year?

One reason I love Nimrod is that I never know what I’ll come across. It might be riders from Vinyard Farms next door. These are Amber and Frankie—the horses, not the riders.

It might be fellow walkers…

…or it might be an abandoned barn and gas pump. It’s always something!

And it’s always great company, great energy, and unstinting support! We don’t leave till tomorrow, but I’m missing it already! Stay tuned next week for a final wrap-up.

Nimrod Writers, 2016

Posted on July 26, 2016August 2, 2016 by vlaw759

I treasure the constancy of Nimrod—all the things that stay the same. The physical surroundings have been spiffed up a bit from five or so years ago, but it’s basically unchanged: the main building, where hummingbirds gather and people wait for meal bells…

Main building Nimrod Hall — The main building of Nimrod Hall

. . . the Old Post Office—which is the only pace where smoking is allowed. You will notice that the smoking porch doesn’t get much business!

Square House Porch nimrod hall — The Old Post Office porch

. . . and all the spaces where people could lounge but aren’t, for these pix were taken during the morning, which is sacred writing time, and therefore all good little writers are sequestered in their rooms…

Another thing that hasn’t changed about Nimrod is, as Charlotte Morgan says often, “There’s no such thing as a forced march!” So if one chooses not to write in the morning, that’s fine—as long as one is quiet and doesn’t encourage others to sluff-off.

And one more thing that hasn’t changed: every year there are new t-shirts!

nimrod hall — Frances Birch wearing a Nimrod t-shirt

Once upon a time, Nimrod was a hunting camp, and reminders of that past are here still. As you can see from the following pix, the image has morphed over the years from the traditional trophy head to my personal favorite:

There are two new deer this year:

What’s new at Nimrod Hall?

This year, for the first time, there are three writers in residence present at the same time—Cathy Hankla, Charlotte Morgan, and Sheri Reynolds. Oh, if I could work with them all!

Charlotte Morgan Nimrod Hall — Charlotte Morgan

Sheri Reynolds Nimrod Hall — Sheri Reynolds

This year, all the writers mingle over meals and at the 8:00 evening readings:

dining room nimrod hall — The dining room of Nimrod Hall

Writers rec hall Nimrod Hall — Evening reading at Nimrod Hall

Other meeting are much as before—i.e., critiques in small groups and a one-on-one conference with one writer-in-residence. I will meet with Cathy. I’m happy to be here!

Nimrod Hall, Here I Come!

Posted on July 22, 2016July 22, 2016 by vlaw759

For many years I’ve traveled to Nimrod Hall in Millboro, Virginia, for their annual writing retreat. Nimrod has inspired several of my stories and given me hours of valuable writing time.

Nimrod Hall main buildling — Nimrod Hall

Last year I kept a travel log of my two weeks at Nimrod. I shared everything from packing my bags…

…to the wild women writers I met there.

women writers at Nimrod Hall Summer Arts Program — 2015 Week One writers at Nimrod Hall Writers Workshop

Note card showing women standing in a stream. Text reads, "We arrived at Nimrod with no baggage" — Note card by Susannah Raine-Haddad

As I prepare to depart, I look forward to my misty morning walks,

and family-style meals with writer friends,

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop writers at lunch around table — 2015 writers at lunch

Nimrod Hall writers lifting fake wedding cake at breakfast table — Who but Nimrod Writer Women would be passing around a paper mâché wedding cake at breakfast?

and uninterrupted writing time.

"Do not disturb" sign on door knob — No writer is ever disturbed between breakfast and lunch–and seldom otherwise.

This year I will share my travel log on my Facebook page. I hope you’ll join me there.

Happy writing!

view of Cowpasture River near Nimrod Hall during walk — Cowpasture River near Nimrod Hall during my morning exercise

War and Murder at Nimrod Hall

Posted on January 18, 2016January 18, 2016 by vlaw759

This post also appears on the Virginia is for Mysteries blog. Click here to read it and more stories from Virginia is for Mysteries, Volume II.

In high school, I hated Ohio and American history. I didn’t want to memorize the dates of battles, the names of generals, the placement of Ohio’s 88 counties and their county seats. In college, I avoided taking a history course of any sort. But after graduate school, historical fiction, biographies, and memoirs ignited my interest. I find social history, and the civilian parallels to military history, fascinating. Thus, I am more interested in sex during the Civil War than in mapping troop movements at Gettysburg, what was happening in medicine and sources of corruption than who was in charge of which part of the armies. Thus my story for Virginia Is For Mysteries, “Death Comes to Hollywood Cemetery” was born, with the amateur detective being Clara, a good-natured prostitute who specialized in serving men with benign fetishes in and around Richmond during the Civil War.

I enjoyed writing Clara, and readers seemed to enjoy the story, so for Virginia is for Mysteries, Volume II, I decided to take Clara from Richmond to the West. But why Nimrod Hall? For one thing, it’s historic, the property established as a farm in 1783. For another, I’ve enjoyed summer writing workshops at the modern (but rustic) Nimrod Hall of today for more than 10 years. It still stands near the Cowpasture River, and has the original fieldstone fireplace.

Stone fireplace at Nimrod Hall — Nimrod Hall’s original stone fireplace from 1783

I’m familiar with Bath County, Millboro and Millboro Springs, and Warm Springs. In addition, the Bath County Historical Society is the baby of Richard L. Armstrong, the man who wrote a booklet titled, The Civil War in Bath County, Virginia. He was very helpful and willingly shared his thoughts. If you are ever in Warm Springs, stop by—and then enjoy the waters at what are now called the Jefferson Pools.

ladies baths in Warm Springs, Virginia — The ladies baths in Warm Springs, built in 1836

Ultimately, I was able to weave local war history and the names of its actors with the Civil War railroad system, the history of Nimrod Hall and its public scandals into a story in which Clara arrives at the farm to become enmeshed in murder and intrigue that never happened—but could have!

Learn more about Virginia is for Mysteries, Volume II here.

Reading Aloud

Posted on September 8, 2015 by vlaw759

I have a long history of public speaking–lectures, workshops, panel presentations-facing with a group of friends or hundreds of strangers makes no difference to me. When I can work from an outline or talking points or questions, no problem. Humorous and lively.

When reading aloud in public, the problem is that it is reading! This photo from my reading during the first week of Nimrod this year depicts the problem perfectly.

I have not yet mastered the ability to read something verbatim while maintaining eye-contact with the audience. Awkward. And distancing.

On the other hand, reading aloud to myself is essential, especially dialogue. It’s like practicing job interview questions and answers aloud in front of a mirror. Sentences are a whole lot smoother in thought than in practice. If the words do not fall smoothly from my lips, it can not ring true in the reader’s ear. It is absolutely necessary for dialect. Does it sound overdone? Reading aloud can work for narrative as well, Identifying sentences that are too long or stilted. Sometimes, it is helpful to have someone read your work aloud while you listen. Good luck!

Day 13 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Posted on August 2, 2015 by vlaw759

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 13

Most years we have only one group picture. But at breakfast today Jane Shepherd (seated in the middle next to me) gifted everyone with a Jane Austen tattoo!

Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop group photo — Week 2 writers with their tattoos

Here’s a close-up of mine, taken by Foust.

Jane Austen-inspired tattoo that reads, "Imprudent" — My tattoo

And then Charlotte Morgan introduced us to her Frog “King”–i.e., Elvis. Charlotte is the author of the novel, Protecting Elvis. She worked on that book at Nimrod the same summer I worked on a first draft of “Love Me Tender” (published earlier this year).

Statue of a frog in Elvis wig and coat at Nimrod Hall — The Frog King

Even after the room was empty and the car loaded, we chatted on the front porch of Square House.

So I said goodbye to Jimmy, the man who provided such great food this year.

And goodbye to Nimrod, comforted to know it will be waiting for us next year.

brightly painted chairs on lawn at Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop — Waiting for next year

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Day 12 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Posted on August 1, 2015 by vlaw759

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG

Day 12

country path on misty morning at Nimrod Hall, Virginia — A path not walked

The last day at Nimrod is always bittersweet. All the paths not walked. All I won’t see come to fruition–like this rose in the Square House flower box.

And the naked ladies are just coming on. There will be a huge display, but searching now reveals only spears of varying heights, rather like an asparagus bed in spring. I guess the summer heat here is recent.

naked ladies flowers (belladonna lilies)

naked ladies flowers (belladonna lily) — Naked lady bed

Away from here I won’t walk before breakfast. When will I again notice a toad or see a katydid?

toad in grass at Nimrod Hall, Virginia — Toad

katydid at Nimrod Hall, Virginia — Katydid

But what I’ll miss most is the focus on writing with other writers, discussing ideas, process, and progress–not to mention book recommendations! Of course there is always some of that in my life, but it’s scattered and intermittent.

Nimrod is addictive. One of the writers from last week, Molly Todd, drove over from Richmond for a few more days–and brought her husband!

Author Molly Todd and her husband — Molly Todd and her husband

Except for being the last, it was like every other day. We talked writing before dinner, and after everyone read for five minutes. I read three pages from my new novel, developed this week.

Cathy Hankla, this week’s writer in residence is wonderful. She’s been working her magic here for more than twenty years. Cathy has published eleven books–short stories, novels, and poetry–so far. She’s won numerous prizes and is the Susan Gager Jackson professor of creative writing at Hollins University.

Author Cathy Hankla holding her book at Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop — Cathy Hankla

Charlotte Morgan, a novelist, is the writer in residence for Week 3, but she’s also the coordinator of the Nimrod writing programs. Anyone who comes during the first two weeks gets a two-fer, for Charlotte gives generously of her insights and support. Her laugh is famous!

Author Charlotte Morgan at Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop — Charlotte Morgan

And so I’m wrapping up, having just headed back to Square House in the dark that is so much darker here than in the city.

Square House at night, Nimrod Hall Writers' Workshop — Square House at night

NIMROD HALL TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Day 11 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Posted on July 31, 2015 by vlaw759

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 TRAVEL LOG POSTS

Day 10 at Nimrod Hall Writers’ Workshop

Posted on July 29, 2015August 2, 2015 by vlaw759

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.

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.

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.