EVA RECINOS

Eva Recinos is an arts and culture journalist and creative non-fiction writer based in Los Angeles. Her reviews, features, and profiles have been featured in the Los Angeles Times, KCET, The Guardian, Hyperallergic, Art21, Aperture, Poets & Writers Magazine, The Creative Independent and more. She was a 2019 nominee for the Los Angeles Press Club Awards in the category of Arts & Entertainment Feature (Online). Her essays have appeared in Refinery29, PANK, Blood Orange Review, Air/Light, Electric Literature and more. She was a 2021 finalist in the PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship and a 2023 Tin House Winter Workshop attendee.

Did the retreat meet your expectations?

Definitely!

What was the most unexpected part of your stay?

I don't think I could've predicted how beautiful the vineyard was, until I saw it in person. It was such an incredibly idyllic space and felt really removed from my usual surroundings and routine — which was amazing for me to get lots of reading and writing done. 

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your retreat?

The winery was so quiet and serene! It was great to feel like I could slow down and really focus on reading and writing.

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

I often benefit from a change in location and I felt so lucky to be in a beautiful space like this one (both the grounds and the home!). It was nice to have a concentrated amount of time to work on a project I'd already started.

What did you work on during the retreat?

I did some reading and writing related to a project on Los Angeles, threaded through with memoir scenes.

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

The winery owners graciously let us join a tasting tour and that was fascinating and so much fun. I also napped, walked around and doodled a bit.

Did you participate in any activities or events arranged by the host winery? If so please elaborate.

Yes, we did a tasting tour! Our guide showed us the grounds, including the wine cave. We tasted some wines, walked and then sat down to taste more wines and eat some delicious empanadas.

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

I definitely benefited from knowing what project I wanted to work on specifically. You'd be surprised at how quickly the time goes by!

If your retreat was a co-residency do you have any advice or tips for future applicants that wish to apply and work together?

Sophie and I knew each other from a previous writing workshop. I knew that she was a careful reader who gave really thoughtful edits. Beyond that, we were friends in general so I knew it would be a good time! I'd say definitely apply together if both your writing processes/goals align, and if you are open to the idea of being in a quiet, tucked-away space with your co-resident.

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

Idyllic natural landscape, like a painting.