23 February 2012

Apply Now: 2012 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBT Voices

Post date: 23 February 2012
Deadline: 16 April 2012

The Lambda Literary Foundation is proud to announce details for the 2012 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBT Voices, the only queer writers residency in the world. The Retreat will be held July 28 – August 4, 2012 on the campus of the American Jewish University (AJU) in Los Angeles.

Faculty include Dorothy Allison teaching the Fiction workshop, Cris Beam teaching the Nonfiction workshop, Jewelle Gomez teaching the Poetry workshop, and Alex Sanchez teaching LLF’s first ever workshop in Young Adult Fiction. See faculty bios below.

“We are thrilled with this year’s stellar lineup of faculty,” said LLF Executive Director, Tony Valenzuela. “They will mentor another gifted group of writers who will have their lives transformed by this Retreat. Lambda Fellows represent the future of LGBT literature.”

The Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBT Voices was established in 2007 as the newest program of the Lambda Literary Foundation and is the first of its kind ever offered to LGBT writers: a one-week intensive immersion in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. The retreat is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the very best writers in the LGBT community.

Applicants of the Retreat submit twenty pages of fiction/nonfiction or 10 pages of poetry that are evaluated for craft, creativity and originality. Eight to twelve students per workshop are accepted into the competitive program where they spend the week working on their manuscripts and attending lectures by publishing industry professionals. Click here to apply. Ability to pay is in no way part of the decision-making process and scholarships are available. The LLF Writers Retreat Fellows have gone on to publish an impressive array of works.

MISSION

The Lambda Literary Foundation nurtures, celebrates, and preserves LGBT literature through programs that honor excellence, promote visibility and encourage development of emerging writers.

The Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBT Voices is the first program of its kind ever offered to LGBTQ writers: a one-week intensive workshop immersion in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. An unparalleled opportunity to learn from the very best writers in the LGBT community, LLF’s Writers’ Retreat is open to emerging LGBT writers of any age.

To insure the quality of the Lambda Literary Foundation Writers’ Retreat, applicants will be screened. Space is limited to approximately 9-12 students per workshop. Some publication history is desirable but not required. Ability to pay fees will in no way be part of the selection process. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2012 FACULTY
  • Dorothy Allison – Fiction workshop
  • Cris Beam – Nonfiction workshop
  • Jewelle Gomez – Poetry workshop
  • Alex Sanchez – Young Adult Fiction workshop

Past faculty have included Claire Carmichael, Nicola Griffith, Ellen Bass, Bernard Cooper, Elana Dykewomon, Katherine V. Forrest, Rigoberto Gonzalez, Ellery Washington, Carla Trujillo, Eloise Klein Healy, Fenton Johnson, Michael Nava, D.A. Powell, and John Rechy, among others.

TUITION ($800): Covers workshops with faculty, all readings, lectures, and presentations by guest faculty.

ROOM & BOARD ($850): Housing and meals begin with dinner on Saturday, July 28, and conclude after breakfast on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Prices include three meals per day. We will make every effort to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Rooms are double occupancy, air-conditioned with private bath. Single rooms are available on a limited basis and at an additional expense ($300). Scholarship recipients will have a roommate.

LOCATION: Founded in 1947, the American Jewish University (AJU) offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, the only independent rabbinical school west of the Mississippi. The Writers Retreat will take place in AJU’s state-of-the-art conference center and dormitories. The American Jewish University is a smoke-free environment. Wireless Internet is available throughout dormitories. Complete housing details will be provided upon acceptance.

TRANSPORTATION: You will be expected to provide your own transportation to Los Angeles and to the AJU campus. LLF will help facilitate ride-shares for those who arrive at the Los Angeles International airport (LAX) on Saturday, July 28 and leave on Saturday, August 4, 2012. If you drive, parking is available.

HOW TO APPLY: Complete the application form and submit 3 COPIES of all requested items by mail to:

Lambda Literary Foundation
Writers Retreat
5482 Wilshire Blvd. #1595
Los Angeles, CA 90036

KEY DATES IN 2012

April 16
All applications must be postmarked by or before April 16, 2012

June 1
Acceptances e-mailed on or before this date. Scholarship recipients are notified
Acceptance package includes full details on housing, transportation, & schedule

June 15
Nonrefundable deposit ($350) due

July 20
Final payment due

July 28
Writers Retreat begins

August 4
Writers Retreat ends

Download the 2012 Application (PDF) >>

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: admin@lambdaliterary.org

For submissions: Lambda Literary Foundation, Writers Retreat, 5482 Wilshire Blvd. #1595, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Website: http://www.lambdaliterary.org
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