Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Visiting the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program

IMG_0325One 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.
Residency HQ: The Captain Whidbey Inn.
View from my room at the inn.
View from my room at the inn.
Early morning at the inn.
Early morning at the inn.
Morning view of Mt. Baker (or so I was told!).
Morning view of Mt. Baker (or so I was told!).
Pretty nice to amble through this garden before heading to class.
Pretty nice to amble through this garden before heading to class.
Artist/musician Ken Waldman provides an intermezzo between his seminar and mine.
Artist/musician Ken Waldman provides an intermezzo between his seminar and mine.
Program Director Wayne Ude in conference with a student.
Program Director Wayne Ude in conference with a student.
Parting is such sweet sorrow --view from the ferry on the way back to SEA-TAC Saturday evening.
Parting is such sweet sorrow –view from the ferry on the way back to SEA-TAC Saturday evening.

5 thoughts on “Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Visiting the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program

  1. 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.

  2. Yi Shun says:

    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!

  3. Erika Dreifus says:

    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.

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