Interview with Lucy Holland
How would you describe the experience of doing a literary residency in Vil·la Joana?
The residency has been wonderful from beginning to end. Meeting people and learning about the locality was just as important as having a tranquil and beautiful place in which to focus on my writing. I feel I have grown as a person, particularly as this is my first year of writing full-time and thus being available to undertake a residency.
Has the stay, and the conditions at Vil·la Joana, helped you to move forward with the literary project you had planned?
I used the time to finish the structural edit of my upcoming novel. The villa was comfortable and had everything I needed to be able to focus solely on writing. Working on the terrace with a view of Montserrat was the highlight of my stay.
What did your project consist of? What can you tell us about it?
It’s a historical fantasy novel called Song of the Huntress, which re-imagines the myth of the Wild Hunt, a folk story that occurs across Europe, including in Catalonia. It is due to be published early in 2024 by Pan Macmillan and will be released in Spanish by Umbriel Editores around June 2024.
What was your interaction with other writers during the residency at Vil·la Joana? Has it been beneficial for your work?
I really enjoyed meeting the other writers, hearing about their creative journeys and how they compared to my own. We went to each other’s activities and events in the city, which was a nice way to get to know each other.
Have you been able to enjoy cultural activities or events during your stay?
I was very grateful to our co-ordinator for organising trips to the ethnology museum. I visited both branches in the city and was able to discuss my interest in local folklore and customs with the staff. I enjoyed a brilliant event at Gigamesh bookshop to promote my novel, Sistersong, where I met lots of Spanish language readers, and had the opportunity to discuss my work with them via an interpreter. I also took time to visit other Catalan towns including the beautiful Girona, Llançà and Figueres.
Have you previously been to Barcelona? Were you able to visit the city? What did you think of it?
Yes, I was lucky enough to attend the inaugural Festival 42 in November 2021. Although this was my third visit to Barcelona, my other stays were brief. Spending three whole weeks in the city was wonderful; I saw so much more than just the tourist sights. On every occasion, I have found Barcelona to be a friendly, welcoming city full of life, with a passion for promoting the arts and humanities.
What would you say to a writer who has doubts about whether to do a literary residency?
Don’t hesitate! Although Vil·la Joana has set the bar very high, I would love to do more residencies in other cities across Europe. Not only do they give you freedom from the daily responsibilities that make writing difficult at home, they also offer a chance to meet other artists, and immerse yourself in a culture that is not your own. A real chance to broaden your horizons.
What are your next projects as a writer, on a short term basis?
In the second half of 2023, I hope to start developing ideas for my third historical fantasy book set in mediaeval Wales, a retelling of the folk ballad, Tam Lin.
