Could a Residency or Fellowship Turbocharge Your Writing?
Read on to find out!
Hi! How’s everyone doing? (Is there a good answer to that?) I know many of you are finding it hard to concentrate on your writing during such frightening times, but I actually think it’s especially important for all of us to express ourselves creatively now. And if you’d like to learn a variety of ways in which you could write in any genre to make a difference, socially and politically, be on the lookout for an upcoming announcement about a FREE seminar!
And now, onto today’s topic: I’ve written before about the loneliness of being a writer (in fact it’s the most popular Page Fright article so far). For those of you who crave community, I want to share some opportunities beyond the writing workshops and conferences you might already be familiar with.
Of course, as a creative writing instructor, I am a HUGE fan of the workshop. But if you have the time and flexibility for it, an immersive experience away from home, the daily grind, and the endless onslaught of bad news and adorable puppy videos could be invaluable. This is where writing fellowships and residencies come in.
Here’s the daunting news: You need to apply for them, and some are quite selective. The application process is fairly involved, often requiring multiple written materials, including items like a synopsis of your writing project, chapter descriptions, a portfolio of your work, a personal statement, a description of what makes your project unique, and so on. But it’s absolutely worth it and might even give you greater clarity about some of your writing goals and projects.
And here’s the motivating news: You’re given a place to stay and meals to eat, oftentimes for free. You might even receive a stipend! Because the process is selective, you’ll be surrounded and inspired by talented peers. You’ll get to spend time in a cool, scenic location. And in more good news (shameless plug alert!), as a writing consultant and coach, I work with clients to help them identify programs that are a good match for them and to get their fellowship, residency, or MFA portfolios and other application materials into the best possible shape.
If you’re telling yourself that you can’t just pick up, abandon your job (not to mention your family or friends), and leave for months or even years, I understand! But did you know that there are many programs that run for just days or weeks? I’m sharing a few here. Warning: one of the deadlines is rapidly approaching, so if you’re interested, don’t delay.
The locations and experiences for each of these is very different, but the goal is the same: to give writers (and other artists) a chance to devote themselves to their work, free from the usual obligations and distractions, in community with others. All of the information below is taken directly (sometimes verbatim) from their websites.
Vive La France!
American Library in Paris Visiting Fellowship
Application deadline: April 1, 2025:
Residency: One month in Paris, sometime between September, 2025 and June, 2026.
Open to writers, researchers, journalists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights, directors, and documentary filmmakers. International applicants are welcome.
$5000 stipend.
The residency is designed to support projects that are enriched by the unique cultural, historical, or artistic environment of Paris or that benefit from being developed in this vibrant setting. Your project should make it clear why being in Paris is essential or adds value to your work.
Writing in Wyoming
Application due dates for Spring session: Opens May 1. Deadline: July 15.
Residency: January – early June, 2026.
Residencies range from two weeks to six weeks and are free. At any one time, there are up to ten individuals in residence. The residency program is open to visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, interdisciplinary artists, performance artists, and collaborative teams. Applicants must exhibit professional standing in their field; both established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Annie Proulx is an alum, and the website features a pic of Cheryl Strayed!
Virginia is for Lovers (of Writing)
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
Application deadline: May 15, 2025.
Residency: January - April 2026 (various lengths of stay available).
VCCA is one of the leading artists communities in the world with locations in Amherst, Virginia, and Auvillar, France (available to apply for after you’ve been at their US location). It hosts a whopping 400+ writers, visual artists, and composers each year. The dynamic interaction among the 22 Fellows in residence from a variety of artistic disciplines at any given time is one of the highlights of the residency. Bonus: views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you’ve attended a residency or received a fellowship—or you offer one—please let us know all about it!
Writing in France. That sounds ciel!