Elizabeth Stix

Elizabeth Stix is a fiction writer in Berkeley. Stories appear in The Alaska Quarterly Review, McSweeney's, Tin House, The Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine, and the anthology Best Microfiction 2019. Her fiction has won the Bay Guardian Fiction Prize, the Katherine Manoogian Scholarship Prize, and the Southampton Review Short-Short Fiction Prize (second place). Her story “Alice” was optioned by Sneaky Little Sister Films, and the SF Weekly named her one of the “Best Bay Area Writers without a Published Book.” She’s working on a collection of linked stories.

Did the retreat meet your expectations?

Yes, my expectations were met and exceeded. I was gifted with five days of solitude and comfort and was able to read, write, and let my thoughts wander.

What was the most unexpected part of your stay?

How delicious all the cheeses were from the nearby local market!

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your retreat?

Sitting at the picnic table overlooking the vines, sipping wine and reading and writing in the shade.

Did the vineyard setting inspire you and/or your writing? In what ways?

It felt indulgent and relaxing to be there. I was just so happy and grateful to be there that it energized me to write.

What did you work on during the retreat?

I worked on my collection of linked short stories.

What other activities did you do during the retreat—any napping, hiking, or exploring the local area?

When I wasn’t writing, I was reading or journaling or taking short walks around the vineyard. I didn’t leave much. I took a gorgeous walk on the way home at a nearby nature area that host suggested, and that was a lovely way to emerge from the retreat.

Any tips or advice you think might be helpful for future residency applicants?

Be prepared to spend several days in solitude. Bring books, journals, and whatever you need to be entertained. You will need to have a car to go grocery shopping or do anything off the property. There are lovely walks that you can drive to if you want a change of scenery. I happened to have a small folding canvas chair in my car and I used it every day, carrying it up to the picnic table because it was more comfortable for me to sit on for hours than the picnic table bench. Maybe bring one of those! Be sure to try the wine, because it’s delicious.

Can you sum up your experience in eight to ten words?

A quiet time in a pampered place, an unbelievable gift. Thank you.