Top Writer's Residencies: Hedgebrook, Jentel Artist Residency Program, The Millay Colony for the Arts and The Santa Fe Artists Institute

As a writer, what we all want is the uninterrupted time, the quiet space, and maybe even the occasional camaraderie of a like mind - another writer. What better place to get all of this than at a writer's residency? There are a multitude of residencies offered annually. Some of them in fact are completely paid for - they are competitive, but in this game if you are thin-skinned, then you are in the wrong business.

Hedgebrook is a residency offered for women only. Their guidelines may change from year to year in terms of which genre is being offered a scholarship. Currently reviewing applications for 2007, they are accepting submissions for the year 2008. Hedgebrook is located on Whidby Island, North of Seattle. A 48 acre retreat, nestled in ponds, meadows, wooded trails, organic gardens, and nearby beaches, Hedgebrook is the perfect location for such a creative retreat. Hedgebrook is a 501(c) (3) public benefit organization. Hedgebrooks' goal is to empower women writers to be catalysts for change in their own lives, in their communities, and around the world.

Hedgebrook provides each writer in residency with a private cottage, and private uninterrupted time throughout the day to write. In the evenings all the residents join together for dinner.

When applying for the residency, writers have the opportunity to apply for residency from two weeks up to two months, and also to indicate which months they prefer to take these (based on availability). Only one residency is granted to a writer. Forty writers per years are selected, with only six in residency at one given time. Visit the Web site for complete submission guidelines.

Jentel Artist Residency Program located on a cattle ranch in the Lower Piney Creek Valley which is 20 miles east of Sheridan Wyoming, offers four-week residencies to poets, fiction writers, nonfiction writers, and visual artists. Jentel offers a Spring and a Fall residency, so writers have the opportunity twice a year to apply for this residency. Jentel provides a private room, separate work space, access to common living areas, and a $400 stipend to each participant. Only writers living in the U.S. who are 25 and older and are not matriculated students are eligible. Visit the Web site for complete submission guidelines.

The Millay Colony for the Arts located at Steepletop, the country estate of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay in Austerlitz, New York, offers month long residencies from April through November to artists in various stages of their careers, including; poets, fiction, and creative nonfiction writers, composers and visual artists. Artists of all ages attend the residencies at Millay. All artists are provided with a private room, a studio and meals. Artists actually prepare their own breakfast and lunch during the week with food provided by the Colony. A chef prepares the evening dinners.

The Colony accepts all artists based on artistic merit and work samples provided for admission. Applicants accepted for admission are done so by the recommendation of a committee, whose members are rotated on a yearly basis. Visit the Web site for complete submission guidelines.

The Santa Fe Artists Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico which began as a result of the tragic events of September 11th, began an emergency relief residency to displaced artists. Established as a permanent program due to its' success, the program now offers several programs for artists. Each category of residency is different and provides different funding. The chosen artists for the residencies, are provided with living and studio space in the SFAI facility designed by the Mexican architect Ricardo Ligoretta. Santa Fe is considered a creative contemporary city and the resident artists are encouraged to participate in the community. Visit the Web site for complete submission guidelines.