October Review
Discover more from Notes from My Desk at Writer's Residence
October Review
Big news! Could a real life Writer's Residence be in my future?
Hi, I’m Monica! I run an online portfolio service for writers that I created off the back of my own writing career. Here I share my personal experiences as a freelance writer, the highs and lows, and how I’m progressing with my myriad side hustles that allow me to make a living as a sole trader. This month brings big changes for me. Read on below and visit Writer’s Residence to create a writing portfolio of your own. Subscribe to keep reading and support my work!
Big news from my NEW desk at Writer’s Residence. As I alluded to in my September Review, we finalised our purchase of a house in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. We moved in on 13th October, three weeks ago today, and the reality of this change is still sinking in.
This has naturally meant a few disruptions but I’ve managed to make some great progress on my side hustles that I’m excited to share with you…
I’ve officially retired from my time- and energy-consuming “data storyteller” role, a superb freelance gig financially but a drainer on my other work. It’s a big risk giving this up but I am hopeful that it will create space for my own projects, which include…
Writer’s Residence. This month we launched Facebook ads to help build our user base, and this month we turned them off! We may restart them in the new year once the Christmas competition slows down. I’ve learned that social media advertising is expensive and requires more strategic thinking than I anticipated. In the meantime, I’m making slow but steady process growing my affiliate network. To that end, I’m not really looking for affiliates - I’m really looking for collaborators, other people in the market of helping writers succeed. If you have something to offer writers and think we can help each other, get in touch!
Eat Sleep Wild has suddenly exploded thanks to our new “after dark” astronomy launch via astronomy.scot. We have our first big event on 23rd November with the Northwest Highlands Geopark which you can read more about on my other Substack. To that end, I continue to use Substack to build on my paid subscriber-ship with all funds being used to support WR and ESW. We get immense value out of these projects but also consider it a job. If you think our work is valuable and you’d like to support us, you can of course upgrade to paid if you’d like!
Now the real cool news! A real life Writer’s Residence!
Coming soon: Our writing retreat in the Scottish Highlands
Our new property includes an outbuilding (a converted “byre”) that we intend to use as a holiday let. It’s occurred to me that the space would make a perfect writer’s retreat…
It’s in one of the most remote parts of the Scottish Highlands, the perfect place to escape, find peace and tranquility, and let your mind run free.
I’ve installed a height adjustable desk in the byre which sits looking out a window with sea views!
Outside the door are limitless opportunities for contemplative walks, with beaches and coastline just minutes away by foot and mountain views.
The byre itself is super cozy with a wood burner, kitchenette, and epic shower (I always think best when I’m clean!).
We have a solid internet connection thanks to Starlink and other tech-plusses like USB charging stations, extra computer displays and other gadgets.
NO TV! (There is some debate as to whether this will deter people - what are your thoughts??? I personally find televisions a total buzzkill for a writing space but I may be in the minority!)
We have to jump through a few logistical hoops before we can start renting out the space but hope to have it up and running in the next few months (it all depends on how long it takes to get a license for short term letting which is required in Scotland). Stay tuned here for updates or feel free to drop me an email directly if you want to get on the waiting list. ;-) monica@writersresidence.com
To finish, since October was month of Samhain and Halloween, here’s a quote from master of spook Stephen King from his excellent book, On Writing.
October Review
That "byre" looks LUX I'd absolutely rent that – especially without a TV!! Congrats on the move!! I'm excited to start sharing affiliate links soon too :)