Summary of Opportunities

Extended resideny (4-1/2 months). Mid-January through May. Public reading, community program (workshop, discussion group, class visit, etc.). $5,000 stipend.

Brief residency (2 to 6 weeks). Between Labor Day and mid-January. Smaller stipend.

Application period: October 1, 2011 to January 15, 2012.

The James Merrill House Writer-in-Residence Program offers one 4-1/2 month residency between mid-January and the end of May, and three shorter residencies of 2 to 6 weeks during the months between Labor Day and mid-January. In recognition of Merrill's own contributions to the Stonington community and his longstanding generosity to fellow writers, the fellowship provides living and working space to a writer in search of a quiet setting to complete a project of literary or academic merit.

The Merrill House Committee works to preserve James Merrill’s Residence in Stonington CT as a tribute to him and a cultural asset to the local community. In this spirit, the Committee wishes writers-in-residence to be enriched by and also to enrich the community of Stonington. We ask that writers spending an extended (4-1/2 month) residency give a reading of their work during their time of residency and contribute to the literary life of Stonington Borough in some other fashion.

In the past, this has included workshops for interested members of the community, small discussion groups, a class at a local school, and reading by friends of the fellow. We encourage applicants to devise their own contributions as imaginatively as they are inclined. Opportunities for readings or workshops will be available during the brief term.

In an effort to make the James Merrill House Writer-in-Residence Program available to a greater number of qualified candidates, the Merrill House Committee has adjusted the residency periods to include three shorter residencies (2 to 6 weeks) as well. The specific dates of these brief residencies will be determined according to the needs of the Merrill House Committee and the applicants.

The Writer-in-Residence program includes a $5,000 stipend for an extended term. Smaller stipends will be offered for the brief residencies.

For more information about the living arrangements available for our writers, please consult our Merrill House Guide. It is a useful tool to understanding the community and the accommodations.