Residencies and Retreats

In addition to the Writing Center, directly across the street, Write On has a three-bedroom home — a place of solitude and reflection on nearly 59 acres of woods, orchards and meadows, nestled between the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

We are pleased to offer two distinct programs for using the home: Residencies and Writer/Reader Retreats.

Watch an author describe his week in residence at Write On.

THEODORE B. OLSON MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP

Beginning in September, 2026, the Theodore B. Olson Memorial Fellowship will be presented annually to a writer whose work focuses on how equal protection under the law is an inherent, sacred right belonging to all of our citizens and must therefore be robustly protected and applied.

Applications are accepted from all levels of writers -- emerging to established -- working in any genre, including journalism and academic writing. To be eligible, a writer must be at least 21 years of age and must have a demonstrated interest in writing that addresses equal protection under the law for all.

The fellowship includes a two-week stay at Write On in late August/early September, along with a stipend, travel and grocery allowance. In 2026, the residency dates will be Sunday, August 30, through Sunday, September 13.

The deadline for applying is Saturday, November 1, 11:59 pm Central time.

APPLY FOR THE FELLOWSHIP

RESIDENCY PROGRAM

A place to escape and focus on a project of your choosing. Write On welcomes applications from emerging and established writers in any contemporary literary genre. Applications are also accepted from literary arts administrators who need time away to envision a new program, edit materials, or find renewal for their own creative work.

The fully equipped home has three bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed and writing table. More than one writer may be staying at the home at any given time.

What
Stays of one week to one month
How Much
No fee for your stay
When
January - February, April - August, October, December
Other requirements
Applicants need to perform a community engagement project during their stay.
Includes
WiFi, wireless printer and office supplies; full kitchen with cookware, dishes, etc., and basic pantry supplies; towels and linens; washer and dryer.
Not included
Television, groceries, meals, daily housekeeping.

RESIDENCIES FOR 2026 HAVE BEEN AWARDED AND ALL APPLLICANTS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THEIR STATUS. APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 RESIDENCIES WILL BE ACCEPTED JANUARY 1 - APRIL 20, 2026.

APPLY FOR RESIDENCY

FAQs

Our August 2025 Writers-in-Residence

Ira Sukrungruang

Delaware, OH

Poetry & Nonfiction

Richie Zaborowske

Appleton, WI

Fiction

Adam Sleper

Carol Stream, IL
Fiction

Notes From our Residents

Julia Nusbaum, Milwaukee, WI

June 2024

As a mom, I'm always needed for something. But this week, no one needed me but me. It felt so good to tap back into myself and my creative energy.

Anne Bertram, Minneapolis, MN

February 2025

Having the space and time WODC gave me to connect to myself as an individual artist has been vital. It gives me strength. Thank you for this great privilege!

Rebecca Brams, Berkeley, CA

October 2024

What an amazing experience this residency has been! New writer friends, lots of focused and dedicated time to sink into the writing, and gorgeous places to work. The peace and quiet, hiking the fall colors, and the special treat of the first time viewing the Northern Lights ... this residency is a dream.

Kasey Jueds, Shokan, NY

October 2024

I don't have the right words for how magical my two weeks have been. The spacious quiet. The sense of being valued and cared for in every detail. I'm amazed and in awe of the care that has been poured into the making of this place, and full of gratitude to have been invited in.

Dipika Mukherjee, Chicago, IL

August 2024

Thank you for providing this magical space and such a nurturing environment for creatives.

Katherine Kassouf Cummings, Chicago, IL

April 2024

This place nourishes me, heart and soul. It's a gift to be in residency, the quiet energy, the presence of those who have made their work in this place...solitude has a different texture here. And to also be in community, to cross-pollinate the arts, a joy! Thank you all for tending this place.

We typically award 1-2 writers per residency.
Occasionally, upon request or other special circumstances, three writers may be in residence at any given time.

First Level: The private Writer's Suite includes a dedicated writing room, bedroom with
a queen-sized bed, and bath. Common areas include the living room and kitchen/dining room.

Second Level: two bedrooms, each with writing nooks and queen-sized bed; full bath.

Additional Spaces: laundry room, deck, Blei's Coop, walking trails, meadow, orchard, and woods. Residents have full access to the writing center.