Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Visiting the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program
One week ago, I was on my way to the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA program in Washington state. It was a quick trip (I was back in New York City Sunday morning) but a glorious one.
I taught two classes on Thursday afternoon and two on Friday. I attended a student reading one evening and on another, an alumni association fundraiser that featured both alumni readers and guest faculty Rikki Ducornet. I enjoyed so many conversations with students, alumni, and faculty (all of whom impressed me as smart, generous, and incredibly hard-working). And I was lucky enough to stay long enough to attend the beautiful graduation ceremony on Sunday.
In addition to all of that, I got to soak in the scenery. My photos don’t really do the place justice–but I hope that you’ll get a sense of the beauty and inspiration that surrounded me. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.
![Residency HQ: The Captain Whidbey Inn.](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0319-300x225.jpg)
![View from my room at the inn.](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0297-225x300.jpg)
![Early morning at the inn.](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0299-225x300.jpg)
![Morning view of Mt. Baker (or so I was told!).](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0304-300x225.jpg)
![Pretty nice to amble through this garden before heading to class.](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BRP_KJACMAAeS8C-225x300.jpg)
![Artist/musician Ken Waldman provides an intermezzo between his seminar and mine.](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BRPd3BRCQAE_aWx-225x300.jpg)
![Program Director Wayne Ude in conference with a student.](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BRVBtpWCUAAc03R-225x300.jpg)
![Parting is such sweet sorrow --view from the ferry on the way back to SEA-TAC Saturday evening.](https://www.erikadreifus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0328-300x225.jpg)
Awesome photos, Erika. It looks wonderful. We visited there once ages ago (the island, not the MFA program). You make me want to go back.
Erika! The post-residency blues have set in, but the memory of your fantastic visit has cheered me. And, of course, your photos. 🙂 Thank you for posting…and for visiting!
John, I’ve been amazed by how many people are already in on the “secret” of Whidbey! And Yi Shun–what can I say? Such a pleasure to visit with you and your MFA community.