This second of two, week-long collaborative residencies between Hewnoaks and Birds & Muses invites women-identified, femme, trans and nonbinary artists of literary projects at later stages of development to take part in daily group sessions focused on revising, troubleshooting, and polishing late drafts of projects as well as the business of being a writer, individualized conferences, and protected time to write.
The Late Draft Residency offers up to 12 writers of projects at a later stage of completion an advanced 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 probing exercises designed to further each writer’s project and position them for success as they move toward seeking publication and readership for their work. Each writer will have an individual conference with Kate to discuss their project and needs going forward. Optional full manuscript assessments will be available to Late Draft Residency writers for an additional discounted fee.
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, individual conferences, and sharing of 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 writers 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:
Note: Morning "Craft & Process" sessions for the Late Draft Residency are focused on issues related to advanced stages of a project’s process as well as the business of being a literary writer. Every session will include handouts, illuminating exercises & reading suggestions for further exploration of the topic.
Each writer will receive a copy of Living Revision by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew, an exemplary text of literary craft that will be valuable at every stage of the writing process.
Accommodations & Pricing:
- Hewnoaks’ cabins, which vary from single- to small group-occupancy, all have expansive lake views and retain much of their original rustic, Arts-and-Crafts décor and character.
- All cabins have simple kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, with the main lodge a common gathering place for group meetings and meals.
- In keeping with the goal of providing protected, unencumbered time for the making of art, there is no WiFi in the cabins and cell service is virtually nonexistent, with a communications room for WiFi and a landline in the main lodge.
- Lodging option choices will be first-come, first-served upon enrollment. Please click the images below for more information about each cabin!
Ready to Join Us This September?
The application deadline has been extended to July 15, offering additional time for writers finalizing their materials.
Here's how to get started:
step 1.
explore key program details
Before applying, we recommend reviewing the key program details on our main
Birds & Muses page.
step 2.
Submit your application by 7/15
Admission is by application only. There’s a $20 application fee, which will be credited toward your enrollment if accepted.
