WRITEABILITY® Fellows Program 2027–2028: Fully Funded Writing Fellowship for African American, African, Black and Native American Writers

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program 2027–2028 is an exciting opportunity for developing writers seeking dedicated writing time, professional guidance, creative resources, and a supportive community to strengthen their writing practice. Sponsored by a generous donor, this two-year initiative is designed to help emerging writers develop their craft, explore their creative processes, and build sustainable writing habits through a combination of an in-person writing residency, year-long online programming, mentorship opportunities, and public readings.

Applications for the 2027–2028 WRITEABILITY Fellowship open on October 1, 2026, and will close on October 30, 2026, or when 30 applications have been received, whichever comes first. Interested writers are strongly encouraged to apply early, as the application window may close before the stated deadline if the maximum number of applications is reached.

For writers who meet the eligibility requirements, this fellowship offers an opportunity to invest in their creative development without having to shoulder the full cost of participating in a writing residency and its associated programming.

About the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program is a dedicated initiative designed to support developing writers who are committed to maintaining a regular writing practice but may benefit from additional time, resources, mentorship, accountability, and a community of fellow writers.

Writing often requires more than talent and inspiration. Developing a sustainable writing practice can be challenging when writers must balance creative ambitions with employment, education, family responsibilities, financial limitations, and other everyday commitments. Access to a supportive environment can help writers make meaningful progress on their work while developing the discipline and confidence necessary to continue writing over the long term.

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program addresses these needs by providing selected fellows with uninterrupted time to write, opportunities to share work in progress, structured community engagement, and resources that encourage continued creative development.

The initiative is designed to support fellows throughout a year-long fellowship experience rather than simply providing a short-term residency. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in an in-person writing residency, attend regular online sessions, receive guidance from experienced members of the WRITEABILITY community, and share their work through organized readings.

For the 2027–2028 programming season, up to five writers will be selected to participate in the inaugural fellowship cohort. The broader initiative is planned to support fellows across both the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 programming seasons.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to writers who have not previously attended a writing residency, published a book, or earned a graduate-level degree in creative writing. Rather than focusing exclusively on writers with established publishing credentials, the program emphasizes dedication to writing, curiosity about the creative process, and a willingness to participate actively in a supportive learning community.

WRITEABILITY Fellows Program 2027–2028: Key Details

• Opportunity name: WRITEABILITY Fellows Program
• Host organization: WRITEABILITY
• Opportunity type: Writing fellowship and creative development program
• Fellowship period: 2027–2028
• Number of fellows: Up to five writers for the 2027–2028 cohort
• Application opening date: October 1, 2026
• Application deadline: October 30, 2026, or upon receipt of 30 applications, whichever comes first
• Program commencement: May 3, 2027
• In-person residency dates: May 3–9, 2027
• Residency location: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States
• Program duration: One year, from May 2027 through the 2027–2028 programming period
• Financial support: Up to $1,500 toward residency participation, including registration, meals, accommodation, program experiences, and approximately $600 in optional travel reimbursement
• Additional benefits: Sustaining Circle membership valued at $804 annually and optional one-to-one mentorship
• Application format: Online application through the official WRITEABILITY website

Applicants should note that the fellowship is selective and has specific eligibility requirements concerning identity, previous writing experience, educational qualifications, availability, and participation commitments.

Benefits of the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program

Selected fellows will receive a combination of financial support, creative development opportunities, mentorship, and access to a community designed to encourage consistent writing.

1. Fully Funded Participation in the Annual Writing Residency

One of the central benefits of the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program is fully funded access to the annual WRITEABILITY Residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The residency will take place from May 3 to May 9, 2027, providing fellows with an opportunity to dedicate time to their writing away from their usual routines and responsibilities.

The fellowship provides up to $1,500 toward residency participation. According to the program description, this amount covers all residency registration costs, meals, housing, and program experiences. It also leaves approximately $600 available as optional reimbursement toward travel to and from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

This financial support is intended to reduce the financial barriers that may prevent developing writers from accessing a structured creative residency.

Applicants should carefully review the official program information to understand the funding arrangement and any requirements associated with travel reimbursement.

2. Dedicated Time to Develop Writing Projects

The fellowship is designed to give writers time and space to focus on their creative work.

Developing writers may have promising ideas or ongoing projects but struggle to make consistent progress because of competing responsibilities. By encouraging uninterrupted writing time and a regular writing practice, the program aims to help fellows build the habits needed to sustain their creative work.

Participants will be encouraged to engage thoughtfully with their writing processes, explore ideas, and continue developing their work throughout the fellowship year.

The program is particularly suitable for writers who want to integrate writing more sustainably into their everyday lives rather than treating it as an occasional activity.

3. Membership in the WRITEABILITY Sustaining Circle

Selected fellows will receive an annual membership in WRITEABILITY’s Sustaining Circle, valued at $804.

The Sustaining Circle provides a structured online community where writers can participate in regular sessions, engage with fellow participants, and develop accountability around their creative practice.

Sessions are scheduled through Zoom every Thursday from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, beginning May 6, 2027, and continuing through April 13, 2028.

The program requires fellows to maintain at least 80% attendance at these sessions. July and December are designated as months off.

This regular engagement is an important part of the fellowship because it encourages participants to remain connected to their writing goals throughout the year. It also creates opportunities for writers to exchange perspectives, reflect on their creative processes, and maintain momentum on their projects.

4. One-to-One Mentorship Opportunities

Fellows will have the option to communicate individually with a mentor from the WRITEABILITY Guild or Board.

The program allows for up to four one-to-one meetings per year, providing an opportunity for participants to seek guidance and discuss aspects of their writing development.

Mentorship can help developing writers reflect on their creative goals, consider challenges in their practice, and explore ways to make progress on ongoing projects.

Although the fellowship description presents individual mentorship as an option, applicants should review the official program information for further details about how mentors are matched and how meetings are arranged.

5. Opportunities to Read and Share Work in Progress

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program includes two formal reading opportunities during the fellowship experience.

The first reading will take place in person during the annual residency. The second will take place online at the conclusion of the year-long fellowship.

These opportunities allow fellows to share their work with an audience and participate in a structured creative experience beyond their individual writing practice.

Reading work aloud can help writers become more familiar with their material, reflect on how their writing is received, and develop confidence in presenting their work.

The readings also form part of the program’s commitment to creating a community in which developing writers can share their progress and celebrate their creative work.

6. A Supportive Community for Long-Term Creative Growth

The fellowship recognizes that writing development involves more than producing a finished manuscript. It also requires sustained effort, reflection, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Through the residency, Sustaining Circle sessions, mentorship options, and reading opportunities, fellows will have access to a community that supports their ongoing creative development.

The program is particularly relevant to writers who want to explore their creative processes through self-guided inquiry, facilitated experiences, mentorship, and accountability.

WRITEABILITY Fellows Program Eligibility Criteria

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program is intended for a specific group of developing writers. Applicants should review each eligibility requirement carefully before submitting an application.

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria.

1. Identify as African American, African, Black, or Native American/Alaska Native

The fellowship is open to writers who identify as one of the following groups:

• African American
• African
• Black
• Native American
• Alaska Native

Applicants should ensure that they meet the program’s stated identity requirement before applying.

The eligibility information does not establish a comprehensive list of eligible nationalities or countries. Therefore, applicants should not assume that eligibility is restricted to a particular country or that every nationality is automatically eligible based solely on citizenship.

2. Have Never Attended a Writing Residency

Applicants must not have previously attended a writing residency.

This requirement is particularly important for writers who have participated in creative retreats, writing residencies, or similar programs. If an applicant is uncertain whether a previous experience qualifies as a writing residency under WRITEABILITY’s rules, they should consult the official FAQ or contact the organization for clarification.

3. Have Never Published a Book

Applicants must not have published a book, including a self-published book.

This criterion distinguishes the fellowship from programs designed primarily for established authors with published books.

Writers should carefully review the official application guidance if they have questions about how the organization defines book publication or whether a particular previous publishing experience affects their eligibility.

4. Have Never Earned a Graduate-Level Degree in Creative Writing

Applicants must not have earned a graduate-level degree in any genre of creative writing.

The requirement is intended to identify writers who have not already completed graduate-level creative writing education.

Applicants with questions about whether a specific degree or qualification falls within this category should seek clarification from WRITEABILITY before applying.

5. Maintain a Dedicated Writing Practice

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to prose writing and a regular writing practice.

The program is designed for people who are actively engaged in writing and want to strengthen their creative discipline.

Applicants should be prepared to explain their writing interests, their current practice, and their motivation for pursuing the fellowship. They should also be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in continuing to develop their work over the course of the program.

For further clarification on this requirement, applicants should consult the official WRITEABILITY Fellows Program FAQ.

6. Not Be Receiving a 2026–2027 WRITEABILITY Scholarship

Applicants must not currently be benefiting from a 2026–2027 WRITEABILITY scholarship.

However, previous recipients of WRITEABILITY scholarships are eligible to apply.

This distinction is important: having received a scholarship from the organization in the past does not automatically disqualify an applicant. The restriction specifically concerns individuals currently benefiting from a scholarship for the 2026–2027 period.

7. Be Interested in Building a Sustainable Writing Practice

Applicants should want to integrate writing into their work and personal lives in sustainable ways.

The fellowship is intended for writers who recognize the importance of consistency and want to develop practical ways of making room for creative work alongside their other responsibilities.

Applicants should be interested in exploring how they can maintain their writing practice over time, rather than focusing only on short-term productivity.

8. Be Open to Creative Inquiry, Mentorship, and Accountability

Applicants should have a natural inclination to explore their creative processes through self-guided inquiry, mentored or facilitated experiences, and an accountability community.

The program encourages writers to reflect on their own approaches to writing, remain open to learning, and engage meaningfully with the resources and people available through the fellowship.

Applicants should be willing to participate in the community and approach the experience with curiosity and a commitment to continued development.

9. Be Available for the Full In-Person Residency

Selected fellows must be available to attend the entire annual WRITEABILITY Residency in person from May 3 to May 9, 2027, at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Availability for the full residency is an explicit eligibility requirement.

Applicants who have scheduling conflicts during these dates should carefully consider whether they can meet the program’s expectations before applying.

10. Be Available for the Required Online Sessions

Fellows must be available to attend the live Sustaining Circle Zoom sessions scheduled for Thursdays from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, beginning May 6, 2027, and continuing through April 13, 2028.

At least 80% attendance is required. July and December are off months.

Because the sessions take place according to Eastern Time, international applicants should consider the corresponding local time in their country and determine whether they can participate consistently.

Applicants should account for the time commitment before accepting a fellowship offer.

11. Commit to Two Formal Readings

Selected fellows must commit to participating in one in-person reading and one online reading of their work at events organized by WRITEABILITY.

These readings are part of the fellowship’s planned activities, so applicants should be comfortable with the expectation of sharing their work publicly in the formats specified by the program.

12. Respond to Program Communications Promptly

Fellows must commit to responding to communications from WRITEABILITY in a timely manner.

The program indicates that, in most cases, participants are expected to respond within three business days of receiving an email.

This requirement helps ensure that fellows remain engaged, receive important program information, and communicate effectively with the organization throughout the fellowship.

Can International Applicants Apply?

International applicants should pay particular attention to the fellowship’s travel requirements.

The program’s eligibility information explicitly addresses international applicants and states that WRITEABILITY cannot provide visa support or advice.

International applicants will receive an additional set of questions following their application submission. These questions are intended to help establish whether travel to and from the United States is feasible.

Applicants living outside the United States should therefore consider the practical requirements of attending the residency in person, including their ability to obtain any necessary travel authorization, arrange transportation, and meet the residency dates.

Although the program includes support toward travel expenses, the description does not indicate that WRITEABILITY will arrange visas or provide immigration assistance.

International writers should review the official fellowship page carefully and seek independent guidance on any travel or entry requirements applicable to their circumstances.

Financial Support and Fellowship Funding

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program offers financial assistance to reduce the cost of participating in the residency and accessing the program’s resources.

Selected fellows receive up to $1,500 toward attendance at the annual residency. According to the official program description, this amount covers:

• Residency registration costs.
• Meals during the residency.
• Housing during the residency.
• Program experiences associated with the residency.
• Approximately $600 in optional reimbursement toward travel to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The fellowship also includes an annual Sustaining Circle membership valued at $804.

In addition, fellows may choose to communicate one-to-one with a mentor from the WRITEABILITY Guild or Board, with up to four meetings available per year.

Applicants should understand that the stated $1,500 support is intended to cover specified program expenses and is not described as a monthly stipend or unrestricted cash award. The optional travel reimbursement is also distinct from the funding provided for residency participation.

The published program description does not specify a separate application fee. Applicants should consult the official application portal for any applicable submission instructions or fees.

Program Structure and Important Dates

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program combines an in-person residency with a year of online engagement and creative development.

Application Period

Applications open on October 1, 2026.

The application period will close on October 30, 2026, or once WRITEABILITY has received 30 applications, whichever happens first.

Because the application cap may cause the submission window to close early, interested writers are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

In-Person Residency

The annual residency will take place from May 3 to May 9, 2027, at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Fellows are expected to attend the entire residency and participate in the associated program experiences, including an in-person reading of their work in progress.

Sustaining Circle Sessions

Online Sustaining Circle sessions begin on May 6, 2027, and continue through April 13, 2028.

Sessions take place every Thursday from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with July and December designated as months off.

Fellows must maintain at least 80% attendance throughout the scheduled sessions.

At the conclusion of the year-long fellowship experience, fellows will participate in an online reading organized by WRITEABILITY.

The program also expects fellows to share a biography, headshot, and additional information about their experience as fellows throughout the year.

The fellowship’s planned activities are designed to support sustained creative development from the initial residency through the conclusion of the program.

Responsibilities of Selected Fellows

Receiving a fellowship comes with a commitment to participate actively in the program.

Successful applicants will be expected to:

1. Attend the annual residency in person: Participate in the full residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts from May 3 to May 9, 2027.
2. Maintain online attendance: Attend at least 80% of the scheduled Sustaining Circle sessions, observing the July and December breaks.
3. Participate in both readings: Share their work at one in-person event and one online event organized by WRITEABILITY.
4. Provide program materials: Submit a biography, headshot, and other requested information about their experience as fellows throughout the year.
5. Maintain travel documentation: Keep financial receipts and records for travel to and from the annual residency if they intend to request reimbursement.
6. Submit reimbursement requests promptly: Follow the program’s instructions and timelines when seeking eligible travel reimbursement.
7. Respond to communications: Reply to program emails and other communications in a timely manner, generally within three business days.
8. Participate in the fellowship community: Engage with the Sustaining Circle and the broader program experience in a way that supports continued writing and creative development.

Applicants should carefully evaluate these responsibilities to ensure that they can commit to the program for its full duration.

How to Apply for the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program 2027–2028

Interested writers should begin by reviewing the official fellowship page and confirming that they meet all eligibility requirements.

The following steps provide a practical guide to approaching the application process.

Step 1: Review the Official Fellowship Information

Visit the official WRITEABILITY Fellows Program page to read the complete eligibility criteria, program description, FAQ, and application instructions.

Reviewing the information before applying will help you understand the fellowship’s expectations and determine whether the program aligns with your writing goals.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure that you meet the program’s identity, writing experience, educational, and scholarship requirements.

Confirm that you have never attended a writing residency, have never published a book, including a self-published book, and have never earned a graduate-level degree in creative writing.

Also consider whether you can attend the full in-person residency, participate in the online sessions, and commit to the required readings and communications.

If any eligibility requirement is unclear, consult the official FAQ or contact WRITEABILITY for clarification.

Step 3: Reflect on Your Writing Practice

The fellowship seeks writers who demonstrate a dedication to prose writing and maintain a regular writing practice.

Before submitting your application, consider how you currently approach writing, what you hope to develop, and why a year-long fellowship would be valuable to your creative journey.

Be prepared to communicate your interest in sustainable writing habits, creative inquiry, mentorship, and accountability.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Access the official fellowship page and follow the application instructions provided by WRITEABILITY.

Complete the requested information accurately and ensure that your submission reflects your actual writing experience and availability.

The supplied program description does not specify the complete list of application questions or required supporting documents. Applicants should therefore rely on the live application portal for the definitive requirements rather than assuming that particular materials are mandatory.

Step 5: Consider International Travel Requirements, If Applicable

If you are applying from outside the United States, assess whether attending the residency in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will be feasible.

WRITEABILITY does not provide visa support or advice, and international applicants will receive additional questions after submission to establish travel feasibility.

Plan accordingly and ensure that you understand any travel authorization requirements that may apply to you.

Step 6: Submit Your Application Early

Submit your completed application as early as possible during the application window.

Applications open on October 1, 2026, and close on October 30, 2026, or when 30 applications have been received, whichever occurs first.

Do not assume that the application portal will remain open until October 30, because the application limit may be reached earlier.

Step 7: Monitor Your Email

After submitting your application, monitor your email for any communication from WRITEABILITY.

International applicants should pay particular attention to any additional questions about travel feasibility.

The program also expects selected fellows to maintain timely communication throughout the fellowship, generally responding to emails within three business days.

Important Deadline and Application Dates

Applicants should keep the following dates in mind when preparing their submissions.

• October 1, 2026: Applications open.
• October 30, 2026: Published application closing date, unless 30 applications are received earlier.
• May 3–9, 2027: Annual in-person residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
• May 6, 2027: Sustaining Circle online sessions begin.
• April 13, 2028: Scheduled end date for the Sustaining Circle session period.

The most urgent date is the application deadline. Since the program will stop accepting applications after receiving 30 applications or on October 30, 2026, whichever comes first, early submission is strongly recommended.

As this is the inaugural year, the WRITEABILITY team and its Board reserve the right to reopen applications if five successful applicants are not identified following the initial review. This provision does not guarantee that applications will reopen, so prospective fellows should not delay their submissions in anticipation of another opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions About the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program

Is the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program fully funded?

The fellowship provides up to $1,500 toward attendance at the annual residency, covering registration, meals, housing, and program experiences, with approximately $600 available as optional travel reimbursement. It also includes an annual Sustaining Circle membership valued at $804 and an optional mentorship opportunity. The $1,500 support should not be interpreted as a monthly stipend.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is intended for developing writers who identify as African American, African, Black, or Native American/Alaska Native and meet the requirements concerning previous residencies, book publication, graduate-level creative writing degrees, and current WRITEABILITY scholarship participation.

Can someone who has received a previous WRITEABILITY scholarship apply?

Yes. Past recipients of WRITEABILITY scholarships are eligible, provided they meet the other requirements. Individuals currently benefiting from a 2026–2027 WRITEABILITY scholarship are not eligible.

Can international writers apply?

International applicants are addressed in the program’s eligibility information. However, WRITEABILITY cannot provide visa support or advice, and international applicants will receive additional questions after submitting their applications to assess the feasibility of travel to and from the United States.

Where will the residency take place?

The residency will take place at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States, from May 3 to May 9, 2027.

How long does the fellowship last?

The 2027–2028 fellowship provides a year-long experience beginning in May 2027, including the in-person residency, Sustaining Circle sessions, reading opportunities, and other program activities.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications open on October 1, 2026, and close on October 30, 2026, or when the organization receives 30 applications, whichever comes first. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

How many writers will be selected?

Up to five writers will be selected for the 2027–2028 fellowship cohort.

The WRITEABILITY Fellows Program 2027–2028 offers developing writers an opportunity to strengthen their writing practice through financial assistance, a fully funded residency experience, a year of structured community engagement, mentorship opportunities, and formal readings of their work. Designed for writers who are committed to creative development but have not yet accumulated certain traditional publishing or educational credentials, the fellowship emphasizes consistency, curiosity, accountability, and sustainable writing habits.

Eligible African American, African, Black, and Native American/Alaska Native writers who have never attended a writing residency, published a book, or earned a graduate-level degree in creative writing should consider this opportunity if they can meet the program’s participation requirements.

With applications opening on October 1, 2026, and closing on October 30, 2026, or upon receipt of 30 applications, whichever comes first, prospective applicants should review the official requirements and submit their applications promptly.

For writers seeking dedicated creative time, a supportive writing community, and resources to develop their craft, the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program could be a valuable step toward building a more sustainable and rewarding writing practice.

Apply for the WRITEABILITY Fellows Program 2027–2028

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