2023 Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency

Two weeks, indoor and outdoor writing spaces, fireside hangouts, paddling, hiking, forest bathing, and family-style meals at a spacious lakeside lodge in the heart of the Adirondack forest. 

Six spots are available:

• 3 writers who live in the Adirondack region
• 3 writers who live elsewhere

Be sure to choose the correct category below. If you live even part of the year in Adirondack Region*, use the "I Live in the ADKs" category in your genre. If you do not live any part of the year in the Adirondack Region use the "I Live Elsewhere" category. 

• Applications open: April 10 - May 14, 2023
• Decision Announcement: July 2023
• Residency: Sunday, September 24 - Sunday, October 8, 2023

Application requirements:

1. Cover Letter: In the space provided in Submittable (no attachments), include a brief, third-person bio and a work plan detailing your goals for this residency.
2. Writing Sample: Please send up to 10 pages of your best writing in the genre you will working in at the residency. Prose: 10 pages max. Poetry: 10 poems max. NOTE: Make sure your name does  not show up anywhere in your writing sample. Writing samples that  include your name will not be considered. Quality of written submissions will be our primary consideration when accepting applications.
3. Application Fee: $30. Your application fee ensures that the residency can remain free to selected residents.

The Lodge at Twitchell Lake provides an abundance of physical space, and each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom. There are plenty of writing spaces in and around the property. Internet access is available, but limited (email YES; Zoom NO). Most cell phones will not work (a landline is available).

Covid-19 Requirements: Proof of vaccination is required. Residents who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons will be required to provide proof of negative test upon arrival and can contact ACW with any COVID-19-related questions:  info@adirondackcenterforwriting.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

* How does ACW define living in the Adirondack region? We consider the lines of the Adirondack Park to be blurred. Anyone living in the “North Country” region of New York state should apply under the “Adirondack Region” application. The Adirondack region/North Country includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Saratoga, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties, and shares an extensive border with Canada. It also contains the cities of Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Saratoga Springs, Watertown, and the U.S. Army’s Fort Drum military base. Generally, if you live in New York State north of Albany, Utica, or Syracuse, you live in what we consider to be the Adirondack region. Still not sure?  Please do not hesitate to contact us: info@adirondackcenterforwriting.

* What if I don’t live in the Adirondack region year-round? As long as you live some part of each year in the Adirondack region, you may apply under the “Adirondack Region” categories. 

* I’m not from the Adirondack region. Can I still apply? Absolutely. Just select the correct category below.