writers residency 2026 - 2027
The Kerouac Project provides multiple residencies a year to writers of any stripe or age, living anywhere in the world. In the past, we have accepted writers with no formal writing education alongside those with MFA’s and impressive résumés. We’ve fostered BIPOC and LGTBQ writers. We’ve had writers from across the globe. You will be judged on the quality of the writing sample you submit. Each residency consists of approximately 4 weeks to 7 weeks in the cottage where Jack Kerouac wrote his novel Dharma Bums. As writer-in-residence, all you are required to do is live in the Kerouac House during your residency, work on your writing project, and participate in a few events.
Should you desire them, the Kerouac Project can also offer opportunities for you to participate in other readings, lead more workshops, and interact in other ways with the vibrant Central Florida literary community.
A large part of the Kerouac Project is to extend writing and writing culture into the community. During their stay, residents are expected to participate in four events: a Welcome Potluck, two creative writing workshops, and a Final Reading.
Residents are required to teach at one to two writing workshops from the Kerouac house for the Kerouac Project. At least one workshop must be done via online so that international workshop attendees may participate. The other workshop may be done in person at the Kerouac House or via online. The Kerouac Project will work with residents to facilitate and advertise these workshops. Residents have creative direction regarding the workshop content. Residents are not paid additionally for the workshops. Proceeds of workshops benefit the Kerouac Project so that we can continue future residencies and community outreach.
We understand that some residents may have remote jobs to help with income. That said, residents are expected to utilize a good portion of their time at the Kerouac House and in the Orlando community for writing and inspiration. At the end of the residency, each resident is required to do a Final Reading at the Kerouac House showcasing new creative material they’ve worked on since becoming a resident.