A recipe for inspiration

As Thanksgiving approaches, I know a recipe for a literary feast.

For the past five months, I’ve had the honor of serving as interim director of the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow. The work was both more challenging and more rewarding than expected.

Writers who stay a week or two for a residency at the Writers’ Colony often use the word “magic” to describe it. The reflective solitude of its wooded setting, the short walk to one of America’s quirkiest downtowns, and chef-prepared meals shared five nights a week provide the ingredients for inspiration.

A caring staff mixes those ingredients and bakes at 375° for 25 minutes or until the marshmallows turn golden brown. No, wait – that’s sweet potato casserole, sorry. The staff mixes them into magic.

For nearly two decades, Jana Jones has been the Colony’s in-house chef. Odes have been written to her cooking.

Residency coordinator Shira Fouste assesses writers who apply for a stay and shepherds them through the process.

Communications and marketing manager Rose Ramirez spreads the word about goings-on at the Colony with infectious enthusiasm.

Executive director Angela Mateus, a new arrival hailing from Denver and earlier Los Angeles, is ready to take the Colony’s operations to the next level. Good things are coming for one of Eureka Springs’ cultural jewels.

As for me, I’ve returned to the Colony’s board of directors. The more modest role allows me to get back to my upcoming book, Welcome to Eureka Springs: The I-Sh*t-You-Not History of America’s Quirkiest Town.

After turkey and sweet potatoes, of course.