This two-bedroom home in Detroit will be given to one writer to live in permanently / via Write A House
We are all familiar with the idea of a writer needing “a room of one’s own”, but what about a house of one’s own? Described as a different kind of writer’s residency, Detroit’s Write A House program gives newly renovated homes to writers to live in permanently, with the aim of helping to regenerate the city’s literary scene.
The initiative attracted widespread media attention in late 2013 when it ran its first application round, with coverage in the New Yorker and LA Times among many others. This week Write A House announced it was again inviting applications from writers wishing to build a new life in Detroit.
The winning writer will receive a two-bedroom, 1100 square foot bungalow in the Banglatown neighbourhood, north of the city centre. The successful candidate will need to commit to living full-time in the city and to engaging with the literary community of Detroit. After an initial two-year probationary period, the deed to the home will be signed over to the writer.
In order to eligible to apply for the program, writers must:
- be working with some history of publication (though not necessarily full time)
- have a low or moderate income (earn less than $39,750 for individuals, more for families)
- be United States citizen or permanent resident.
Interested writers are advised that most important part of the application process is the writing sample. The sample may be published or unpublished but must not exceed 2500 words.
The inaugural Write A House home was awarded to 29-year-old Brooklyn poet Casey Rocheteau in September 2014. Casey has posted an article on the program’s blog sharing advice for those considering making an application.
Applications are open until Friday 5 June, with discounted entry available until 11 May. Click here to start the application process or visit the Write A House website for further information about the program. The winner is expected to be announced in August.
For more competitions see our latest Opportunities for Writers post and follow Aerogramme Writers’ Studio on Facebook and Twitter.
Write on! (Right on!) This is an excellent opportunity. I might “take you up on it.”