WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE
We partner with Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) annually to sponsor a week-long writing retreat. Residents work on creative writing endeavors undisturbed by the outside world while enjoying the beauty of the PNW coast. 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, memoirs, poetry, screenplays, and hybrid manuscripts will be considered.
The program hosts and chosen writer will determine the week of the residency. Lodging and a $250 stipend are provided. A reception and public reading will be held at the end of the residence at the AVA Gallery in Astoria.
WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY
Applications are closed for 2024.
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.
Please do NOT put your name or address on any of the application materials (only in the body of the email).
Send complete applications to info@thewritersguild.org. A suggested donation of $10 per applicant can be made via PayPal.
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 6th ANNUAL NORTH COAST WRITER’S RESIDENCY WINNER ANNOUNCED
The Writers Guild of Astoria and Astoria Visual Arts are delighted to announce the winner of the 2024 North Coast Writer’s Residency, Anthony Hudson from Portland, Oregon. During the residency, Hudson will work on continuing his memoir, Looking for Tiger Lily.
The Writers Guild selected Hudson through a blind submission process among 20 applicants. The Guild was particularly drawn to Hudson’s unique perspective referenced in his memoir–connecting modern events with history traced through Hudson’s coastal native ancestors. In referencing his in-progress manuscript, Looking for Tiger Lily, Hudson states, “Charting my coming into consciousness as an Indigiqueer artist, drag performer, and writer in the Pacific Northwest, this book is as built into our landscape as my ancestors are.”
“I'm thrilled to welcome Anthony Hudson to Astoria for the 2024 residency,” said Marianne Monson, founder and president of The Writers Guild. “Hudson's work stood out for its compelling weaving together of the native history of this region with modern-day concerns. It will be an honor to have a native Siletz author working and reading in our community.”
Chosen writers are hosted at the Sou’wester Lodge for a week to focus on their projects. The program is one of the ways The Writers Guild seeks to support and cultivate promising writers, especially those who live in the Pacific Northwest. The residency will culminate in a reading at Astoria Visual Arts on September 21st at 3 pm.
This is the sixth year of the North Coast Writer’s Residency. Learn more about Hudson at www.thecarlarossi.com/writing.
The Writers Guild of Astoria is a nonprofit that promotes the literary arts throughout the lower Columbia region.
Astoria Visual Arts is a nonprofit, founded in 1989, that provides opportunities for all ages and walks of life to engage with the arts. Learn more at www.astoriavisualarts.org.
PAST WINNERS
2023 - Erica Berry
2022 - Jennifer D. Munro
2021 - Deborah Williams
2020 - Sarah Buckmaster
2019 - Cecelia Hagen and Andrew Zingg
2016 - Heather Douglas*
* Previous version w/AVA