During my stay at Vermont Studio Center (VSC) in 2018, I met various outstanding artists. They amazed me with extraordinary ideas and thoughts, which inspired me a lot. I especially admire those professional writers in VSC for their hard-working and excellent knowledge of their work no matter in-depth or breadth. For example, in order to collect writing materials, some writers traveled to libraries across America even learned how to read the old 19th century’s manuscripts quickly, some create fantasy poems, and some write non-fiction novels bases on their family stories.

This residency also starts my English writing career. Due to the residency application requirement, I have to hand in English work, so I tried to rewrite my old article in English. Unexpectedly, my English writing got me the VSC residency opportunity and the admiration from VSC visiting writer Sebastian. He suggested introducing an agent to me, which gives me great confidence in my work and drives me to publish in English.

In addition, during the residency, I participated in the talk “Mouth Waters Earth” as a guest speaker at Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW) held by Taipei Cultural Center in New York. I shared my experience in travel writing, my time in VSC, and Taiwan’s local custom and culture. I brought the well-known Taiwanese snack “Kuai Kuai” and the traditional dessert “Aiyu jelly” for the audience.

Even though it was only four weeks, I was deeply influenced and inspired by the creative artists at VSC. They gave me the courage to confront my creativity challenge and suffering. Knowing their experience also allows me to examine my career to be more proactive to strive for opportunities and create the work that both me and my readers are proud of.