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.

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.

APPLICATION PERIOD: FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 1 FOR RESIDENCIES IN 2026

APPLY FOR RESIDENCY

FAQs

WRITER / READER RETREATS

Does your writing group need a getaway to inspire creativity? Could your book club use a retreat to determine your next line-up of readings? At various times of the year, the Write On residence is available to writers and readers outside of the Residency program.

This arrangement is ideal for writing groups or book clubs who could benefit from a retreat, as well as authors or literary arts administrators who need a get-away to focus on a long-term project.

Our Retreat program is a lovely option for couples who want to read or write together. This arrangement is also perfect for writer(s) who prefer not to provide a community engagement project as part of our standard residency application.

The fully equipped home has three bedrooms, each with a writing table and queen-sized bed, making it a lovely option for couples who want to read or write together. This arrangement is also perfect for writers who prefer not to provide a community engagement project as part of our standard residency application.

What
3 night minimum stay
How Much
$175/night for the whole house.
When
March, September, November
Includes
Free WiFi, printer, paper, full kitchen and supplies, towels, bedding, living room, outdoor deck, access to Write On hiking trails.
Not Included
Television, groceries, daily housekeeping, or meal service.
Application Deadline
None

To apply: We are no longer accepting requests for 2025 retreats as we are at capacity. We will begin taking requests for 2026 residencies in June 2025.

REQUEST A RETREAT

Our May 2025 Writers-in-Residence

Gabriela Garcia

Chamaign, IL, Fiction

Christine Vines

Catskill, NY
Fiction

Nancy K. Fishman

Berkeley, CA
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.