Katherine Seligman

Katherine Seligman is an award-winning journalist and author in San Francisco. She has been a reporter at USA Today, the San Francisco Examiner and a staff writer at the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Magazine. Her work has been featured on NPR, and in Life, Redbook, The Sun Magazine, the anthology “Fresh Takes,” Best American Essays, and elsewhere. Her debut novel, At the Edge of the Haight (published by Algonquin Books in 2021), won the PEN/Bellwether Prize.

 Did the retreat meet your expectations?

It exceeded my expectations, giving me the chance to work all day and at night to go over what I was writing with two talented and trusted colleagues (often while sipping some excellent wines from the vineyard).

What was the most unexpected part of your stay?

That it was possible so quickly to slip into a productive rhythm -- to start by sitting down and writing, then be able to take a walk in the vineyard, followed by an afternoon writing session in the library downtown.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your retreat?

The quiet companionship of two other writers, with the spectacular view outside my bedroom window coming in a close second.

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

Waking up to view of the vineyard, away from my usually noisy urban environment was so wonderful. I have always considered a sense of place extremely important in my writing and was interested to learn the history of West Wines and of the region.

What did you work on during the retreat?

I worked on my second novel.

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

I went into town every afternoon for coffee (hello Flying Goat!) and then to the library. I also explored a few of the wonderful restaurants downtown and took walks every day in the vineyard.

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

I went to a tasting at West Wines, hosted by Kathy, who was welcoming and generous. Also very much enjoyed the evening at the library and the chance to hear from and meet the other writers.

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

I think it helps to decide as a group what you're aiming for -- in our case, it was a chance to work and then meet at night. I don't think you need to be collaborating, but a collaborative atmosphere is essential. Talk this over before you apply.

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

A true gift, a quiet respite in a spectacular location.