The James Merrill House Writer-in-Residence Program preserves James Merrill’s Residence in Stonington CT as a tribute to him and as a cultural asset to the local community. 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.

It is in this spirit that the Merrill House Committee wishes writers-in-residence not only be enriched but enrich the community of Stonington. We ask that writers give a reading of their work during their time of residency and contribute to the literary life of Stonington Borough in some other fashion.

Such involvement, in the past, has included poetry readings and workshops offered to members of the community, as well as visits to the local high schools’ creative writing program. We encourage applicants to devise their own contributions as imaginatively and variously as they are inclined.

The apartment is available for a full or half academic year. The Writer-in-Residence program includes a $5,000 stipend for a 4 month term or a $10,000 stipend for an 8 month term.

For more information about the living arrangements available
for our writers, please consult our Merrill House Guide.