The WRITEABILITY® Fellows Program 2027–2028 is now open for applications. The deadline is October 30, 2026, or earlier if WRITEABILITY® receives 30 applications first.
This year-long fellowship supports developing prose writers who identify as African American, African, Black, or Native American/Alaska Native. Up to five Fellows will join a one-week residency in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, followed by weekly online programming and mentorship through April 2028.
Application Deadline:
- 30 October 2026 (Note: Applications opened on October 1, 2026, and will close automatically when 30 applications are received or on October 30, 2026, whichever comes first).
Tell Me About The Program:
The WRITEABILITY® Fellows Program is a prestigious, year-long initiative designed to support developing prose writers by providing a robust network of community, craft support, resources, and dedicated time to write. Sponsored by a generous donor, the inaugural 2027–2028 fellowship season selects up to five writers to participate in an immersive annual residency at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, followed by year-long online peer accountability and mentorship.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Prose Writing (Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Memoir, Novel/Story Writing).
Type:
Fully Funded Writing Residency & Year-Long Professional Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Demographics: Must identify as African American, African, Black, or Native American/Alaska Native.
- Experience Restrictions:
- Must never have attended a writing residency before.
- Must never have published a book (including self-published works).
- Must never have earned a graduate-level degree in any genre of creative writing (MFA or equivalent).
- Previous Awards: Must not currently be benefiting from a 2026–27 WRITEABILITY® scholarship (past recipients of WRITEABILITY® scholarships are eligible).
- Availability:
- Must be available to attend the entire annual WRITEABILITY® Residency in-person from May 3 – 9, 2027.
- Must be available for live Zoom sessions on Thursdays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET between May 6, 2027, and April 13, 2028 (80% attendance required; December and July are off).
- International Applicants: Eligible to apply, but note that WRITEABILITY® cannot provide visa support or advice, and international applicants will receive an additional set of questions to verify travel feasibility to/from the United States.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis (capped at the first 30 submissions) by the WRITEABILITY® team and Board based on demonstrated dedication to prose writing, regular writing practice, and responsiveness to narrative application questions and writing samples.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (International applicants are welcome provided they can independently secure travel/visas to the United States).
Where will the Program be Taken:
- In-Person Residency: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA.
- Online Component: Weekly virtual meetings via Zoom.
How Many Fellows:
Up to 5 Fellows selected for the 2027–2028 cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Residency Funding: Up to $1,500 awarded toward attendance at the annual WRITEABILITY® Residency (covering registration, meals, housing, and program experiences), leaving approximately $600 as optional reimbursement for travel to Gatlinburg, TN.
- Sustaining Circle Membership: Annual membership to the online Sustaining Circle (valued at $804), providing peer accountability and weekly craft support.
- Dedicated Mentorship: Up to 4 one-on-one meetings per year with a mentor from the WRITEABILITY® Guild or Board.
- Public Readings: Opportunities to perform formal readings of work-in-progress both in-person at the residency and online at the conclusion of the fellowship.
How Long Will it Last:
One full year of programming, beginning May 3, 2027 and continuing through April 13, 2028 (including the one-week May residency and weekly Thursday sessions).
How to Apply:
- Review the eligibility requirements and prepare your narrative application responses and prose writing sample.
- Complete the online application form early via the official website before the cap of 30 applications is reached or before the 30 October 2026 deadline.
- International applicants: Watch for additional travel-feasibility questions sent following submission.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
