WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE
Every year, we partner with Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) to sponsor a week-long retreat at the Washington State home of Lisa Smith and Buzz Bissinger. Residents work on creative writing endeavors undisturbed by the outside world while enjoying the beauty of Willapa Bay. A reception and reading of the resident’s work are open to the public and scheduled at the AVA Gallery.
The residency provides writing time and space in an idyllic setting to make substantial progress on a significant writing project. Writers of novels, short stories, nonfiction, plays, memoir, poetry, screenplays, and hybrid manuscripts will be considered.
The week of the residency will be determined by the program hosts and chosen writer. Lodging, daily lunches, and a stipend are provided. A reception and public reading will be held at the end of the residency at the AVA gallery in Astoria.
JENNIFER D. MUNRO
OUR 2022 WRITER-IN-RESIDENT
Thank you for joining us for a reception and reading with Jennifer D. Munro at the AVA Gallery in Astoria, November 5, 6 pm. 2022
As the selected writer-in-residence, Jennifer will spend one week working on her book-length collection of essays, The Twelfth Mom. This project explores the challenges of being an adoptive parent of a troubled teen through the lens of their shared passion for bird watching.
Jennifer’s essays have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies. Her writing has been recognized nationally, and she has twice been a Pushcart Prize Nominee. Her teaching credentials include writing workshops for Hugo House, Whidbey Island Writers Conference, and Hedgebrook Salon.
ELIGIBILITY
Writers of novels, short stories, literary nonfiction, plays, memoirs, poetry, and screenplays who are from the Pacific Northwest and over the age of 18 are eligible and encouraged to apply!
THE HOSTS
Buzz Bissinger teaches advanced narrative non-fiction at the University of Pennsylvania and is the author of various books, including Friday Night Lights, Three Nights in August and A Prayer for the City.
Lisa Smith has spent much of her career in public-interest communications, including writing and producing for public television and public radio.
One or both of the hosts will be on hand, for at least a portion of the residency, for socializing in the evenings.
WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY
The application period for 2023 will open in March. Applications consist of (1) a one-page cover letter describing your experience and interests as a writer, your connection with the Pacific Northwest, and what you hope to accomplish during your residency; (2) a one-page description of your writing project, its scope, and current state; (3) a 5-page writing sample; and (4) a resume or CV, including any publications if applicable.
Send complete applications to info@thewritersguild.org. A suggested donation of $10 per applicant can be made via https://www.thewritersguild.org/.
PAST RESIDENTS
2020
Sarah Buckmaster
Deborah Williams
2019
Cecelia Hagen
Andrew Zingg