The Kerouac Writer in Residence Project provides four residencies a year to writers of any age, living anywhere in the world. Each residency consists of approximately a three-month stay in Orlando, Florida.
The Kerouac Project takes place in the cottage where Jack Kerouac wrote his novel Dharma Bums. Accommodation, utilities and a food stipend of US$1000 are included but writers must cover any travel costs.
Applications are accepted in five categories: poetry, play, screenplay, fiction/short story, and nonfiction. Each application must include a writing sample of up to ten pages. Applications are considered on the strength of the writing sample, with the organisers stating that “in the past we have accepted writers with no formal writing education alongside those with MFA’s and impressive resumes.”
Writing samples should be accompanied by a short resume (one or two pages) plus a cover letter with no more than three paragraphs that tells the selection committee a little about yourself and the project you would like to work on if you are accepted as a resident. While the writing sample and application must be made in English, selected residents are welcome to write in their native language while staying at the Kerouac cottage.
The primary aim of the Kerouac Project is to provide writers with time to write and there are only two formal obligations – a welcome potluck dinner and a final reading. Should you desire them, the Kerouac Project can also offer opportunities for writers to participate in other readings, lead workshops, and interact in other ways with the vibrant Central Florida literary community. Since the project was founded in 2000, the cottage has hosted over 65 writers-in-residence from across the United States and from a number of other countries.
Applications are currently being accepted for the following slots:
Fall 2020: 1 September to 19 November
Winter 2020–2021: 1 December to 18 February
Spring 2021: 1 March to 20 May
Summer 2021: 1 June to 20 August
Each application must be accompanied by a $35 fee. The deadline for entries is Sunday 15 March 2020 but early applications are encouraged. For further information and to apply visit the Kerouac Project website.
Watch an interview with Chad Anderson, Kerouac Project Writer-in-Residence Winter 2019
Chad starts by reading an excerpt from his work, followed by an interview (starts at approximately the 11-minute mark) in which he shares some of his impressions and experiences as writer-in-residence at the Kerouac House.
