Catching up with Christopher DiRaddo
/Author Christopher DiRaddo joined us this past October as our very first writer-in-residence. We were so grateful to welcome Chris and had the chance to catch up with him recently to learn more about his experience at The Hideout and on PEI!
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Why was being selected as the inaugural Hideout writer-in-residence meaningful for you?
Because it was a gift. Because it came out of nowhere. Because it landed at the exact time I needed it, when I was beginning to lose steam after producing dozens of queer literary events these past few years. It was a welcome recognition of the work I’ve been doing and it let me know that the work matters to others. For that acknowledgment alone, I am forever grateful.
What were the highlights of your time as Hideout writer-in-residence?
I loved my time in The Cottage, sitting at the desk and looking out onto the countryside and planning/writing my next novel. I loved the walks along nearby Lord’s Pond, my communion with the neighbouring cows and the wide-open sky. It’s so peaceful and still where you live. I also loved our event at the Gallery Coffee House & Bistro and getting to meet the wonderfully talented queer/allied writers who live on the Island. I also loved getting to spend time with you both, Trevor and Josh, and learning more about the history of the building where you live and the legacy of queer activism in Charlottetown and PEI.
Violet Hour PEI, with Vanessa Bradley, LJ Lawlor, hayden little, julie bull, trevor Corkum, & Christopher diraddo.
Tell us more about the project you worked on during your residency.
I took advantage of my new environment to start a new book. I don’t want to say too much right now, but it’s a satire about personal and professional ambition in modern times, told from the point of view of a queer mystery novelist who has lost everything and whose ultimate rival is a dog with a social media presence.
Any tips for folks planning to apply for a future Hideout residency?
Go easy on yourself. Depending on how long you come for, you might feel the pressure to get as much done as possible in the time you have (I know I did). But a large part of writing is not writing. It’s chewing on your idea. Allow time for that as well. Give yourself time to see and get inspired by the Island. The residences are so cozy you might never want to leave them, but you don’t know the many ways PEI is going to talk to you while you’re there.
All photographs appear courtesy of Christopher DiRaddo.
