Women writers from around the world come to Hedgebrook’s Whidbey Island retreat to take part in a multitude of programs focused on mastering their work. Applicants for the Writers in Residence program are selected based on the quality of their writing and strength of their proposals—not whether they have been published.
"We're very proud of our 28 year commitment to supporting women writers, and the extraordinary diversity of our community. More than 50% of the writers who've come to Hedgebrook over the years are women of color; they come from all over the world, range in age from 20's to 70's, and include emerging and mid-career writers working in all genres. We also welcome to trans* writers who feel an affinity with our mission. While we do not offer residencies to cisgendered male writers, we are opening some of our public programming (salons, writing workshops and events) to men." ~ Executive Director and Alumna Amy Wheeler
Hedgebrook is committed to nurturing the individual voice and creating a sense of community amongst writers. This creates a ripple effect, as the connection that begins between writers radiates out to countless readers and audiences who experience their novels, poems, plays, screenplays, graphic novels, memoirs, and more. The Hedgebrook community spans the country and the globe.
“It is a radical act of generosity to give women the time and space to write and think so that our ideas can find their way out into the world and hopefully reshape and change it.” ~ Alumna Tanya Erzen
The Writers in Residence program offers women writers the opportunity to unplug from their daily demands in life, to be free from worry about putting food on the table or paying bills, and to find their stories and have the peace and time to give them a voice. Repeatedly, writers say they are able to begin, develop, and complete work at Hedgebrook that they would not have done otherwise.
“I accomplished more in those two weeks than I had in the preceding six months. And I'm still going.” ~ Alumna Leanna Brodie
Writers working in all genres and at all levels in their writing career are invited to become a member of the Hedgebrook community by applying today.
“The sense of validation—acceptance after such a rigorous review process, but also feedback from my fellow writers-in-residence—has raised my level of self-confidence—and thus renewed my determination and commitment to my writing even in the face of challenges faced by 'a late starter.'” ~ Alumna Karen Benning
The application for the 2017 program and information about eligibility is now available at www.hedgebrook.org/writers-in-residence. Applications must be submitted online by Tuesday, July 26 at 11:59 PM (PDT).
For more information about Hedgebrook, including the Writers in Residence Program and upcoming readings and events, check out our website at www.hedgebrook.org.
About Hedgebrook:
Hedgebrook is a literary nonprofit that supports the work of visionary women writers whose stories and ideas shape our culture now and for generations to come. Founded in 1988, Hedgebrook hosts a global community of writers, close to 1,600 in 26 years, at our Whidbey Island retreat. Our programs empower women writers through exceptional workshops and connect their work with thousands of book-lovers and audiences each year through readings, screenings, events, salons, publications and festivals. For more information about Hedgebrook's programs and upcoming events, check out www.hedgebrook.org. Hedgebrook is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.