Experience a focused and inspiring Writing Residency at Rivendell Spiritual Center. Designed to foster creativity and invest in emerging voices, this program offers writers dedicated, uninterrupted time in a supportive community and a setting that nurtures imagination. Residents can expect space for deep work, connections with four other writers, and a beautiful, retreat-like environment on the Cumberland Plateau.
Winter Residency: February 1–5, 2027. Please submit your application by November 20, 2026 for the winter date. All applicants will be notified by December 11, 2026.
Summer Residency: August 31–September 4, 2027.Please submit your application by April 31, 2027. All applicants will be notified by June 30, 2026.
Application Fee: $25. If this fee is a barrier for you or if you identify as someone from a marginalized background, please apply for a fee waiver here.
Residency Cost: $250 for the week, with additional contributions encouraged if possible. (The actual per-writer cost to The Porch is approximately $600. Additional contributions help us keep this residency accessible.)
When applying, you’ll first be prompted to pay the $25 application fee. After completing this step, you’ll receive an email with a link to the rest of our application. This second step is a form where you’ll be prompted to upload a statement of interest (500 words max) and writing sample. The writing sample requirements are as follows:
PROSE: Maximum of 5 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman or other standard font
POETRY: Maximum of 5 poems, no more than 7 pages of text total
If you are chosen for a residency, we will follow up with further information including payment details.
Experience a focused and inspiring Writing Residency at Rivendell Spiritual Center. Designed to foster creativity and invest in emerging voices, this program offers writers dedicated, uninterrupted time in a supportive community and a setting that nurtures imagination. Residents can expect space for deep work, connections with four other writers, and a beautiful, retreat-like environment on the Cumberland Plateau.
Winter Residency: February 1–5, 2027. Please submit your application by November 20, 2026 for the winter date. All applicants will be notified by December 11, 2026.
Summer Residency: August 31–September 4, 2027.Please submit your application by April 31, 2027. All applicants will be notified by June 30, 2026.
Application Fee: $25. If this fee is a barrier for you or if you identify as someone from a marginalized background, please apply for a fee waiver here.
Residency Cost: $250 for the week, with additional contributions encouraged if possible. (The actual per-writer cost to The Porch is approximately $600. Additional contributions help us keep this residency accessible.)
When applying, you’ll first be prompted to pay the $25 application fee. After completing this step, you’ll receive an email with a link to the rest of our application. This second step is a form where you’ll be prompted to upload a statement of interest (500 words max) and writing sample. The writing sample requirements are as follows:
PROSE: Maximum of 5 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman or other standard font
POETRY: Maximum of 5 poems, no more than 7 pages of text total
If you are chosen for a residency, we will follow up with further information including payment details.
