Dreaming of time to write?

Every writer knows the feeling of squeezing your writing into an impossible space or having to break off from your writing to do the ordinary chores and responsibilities of life. Dedicated time and space is a writer’s dream, no interruptions and no other calls on your attention. That’s when you do your best work.”

Kit de Waal, Honorary Patron, The Bridport Prize

Fully funded writer residencies in Dorset

We have two fully funded writer residencies here in beautiful Dorset for under represented writers from The Midlands who identify as:

  • Working class
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Both

When?

Sunday 17th March 2024 to Friday 22nd March 2024. Writers must be available for the whole period.

What will the residency writers receive?

  • Two days residency at Dorset Museum, Dorchester PLUS three days residency at the The Lyric Theatre, Bridport
  • £500 residency fee
  • £150 travel assistance
  • £15 per day expenses
  • Extra assistance expenses available if required
  • Five nights hotel accommodation
  • Opportunity to take part in an event with local writers at Bridport Arts Centre during the residency
  • Feedback on up to 3,000 words of prose fiction from Irene Baldoni, a literary agent at Georgina Capel Associates
  • Free entry to The Bridport Prize international writing competition

Midlands geographical definition

Writers who live, work or study in any of these areas can apply for a residency:

Derby; East Derbyshire; South and West Derbyshire; Nottingham; North Nottinghamshire; South Nottinghamshire; Leicester; Leicestershire and Rutland; West Northamptonshire; North Northamptonshire; Lincolnshire; Herefordshire; Worcestershire; Warwickshire; Telford and Wrekin; Shropshire; Stoke-on-Trent; Staffordshire; Birmingham; Solihull; Coventry; Dudley; Walsall; Sandwell; Wolverhampton.

How to apply

Please send us the following:

  • 1000 words of prose fiction
  • 100 words ‘setting the scene’ for the above if needed
  • Up to 200 words explaining How I’d Spend My Residency Time
  • Up to 100 words about your writing journey to date

Apply here by 13th November 2023 no later than 23:59.

Download a pdf with all the information about the residencies here. Any questions? Please email [email protected]

Key dates for your diary

Shortlisted writers will be notified on 13th December 2023.

Selected writers will be notified on 15th January 2024.

Good luck!

We look forward to reading your words.

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