This first of two, week-long collaborative residencies between Hewnoaks and Birds & Muses invites women-identified, femme, trans and nonbinary artists of literary projects in early stages of development to take part in daily group sessions to inspire their writing, individualized conferences to further identify and advance their nascent projects, and protected time to write.
The Generative Residency offers up to 12 writers a foundational curriculum in literary craft and process unique to Birds & Muses teaching: a non-academic and decidedly more artistic, intuitive, and emotionally/sensorily based approach to literary artistry than is typically taught. Each day’s topical conversation and assigned short readings will include generative exercises designed to open up the possibilities of each writer’s project, or help them recognize areas of passion and curiosity that could lead to bigger projects. Each writer will have an individual conference with Kate to discuss their project and needs going forward.
The 7-night residency will be a writing intensive with the primary purpose of protected time in which to write and to allow for the imaginative wandering that leads to writing. Part of the “protections” of that time will include a schedule outlining the daily group sessions devoted to craft principles, individual conferences, and sharing projects. The residency will include a simple seasonal vegetarian meal plan, with staff-prepared group dinners and on-your-own supplies for breakfasts and lunches. At the end of each day the group will be invited to come together to share their work by reading to each other – an obligation-free, stress-free alternative to the workshop model that has become a beloved core practice for Birds & Muses writers.
This year’s two Hewnoaks – Birds & Muses collaborative residencies are an expansion of 2024’s highly successful residency for women-identified, femme, trans and nonbinary artists of literary projects at all stages of their work. The ten writers who attended the 2024 residency became a supportive community both during their week together and continuing over the year since, staying in contact with accomplishments and personal news and attending each other’s artistic events. This lasting and energizing sense of communal art-making and art-sharing lies at the heart of the missions of both Hewnoaks and Birds & Muses.
For full details on retreat pricing, cabin options, and the unique experience of a Birds & Muses residency at Hewnoaks, please visit our Birds & Muses page. There, you'll find everything you need to know about accommodations, what's included in residency fees, and what to expect during your stay!
Residency Program Schedule:
