Now seeking applicants for its seventh year, Gladstone’s Library’s competitive Writer in Residence programme provides space and resources for four writers whose work engages with liberal values. By liberal values, we do not mean views aligned with any one political ideology, but rather:

• a commitment to freedom and social justice;
• tolerance and respect of difference;
• open-mindedness coupled with intellectual curiosity;
• generosity of spirit and a willingness to learn from others.

Four places will be awarded to writers working in the English language. The proposed dates of the tenures are February, May, September and November 2018. The library like to support writers as best we can and  know that many cannot simply abscond from regular life for a month. Residencies can therefore be taken in two two-week blocks, and residencies of a single fortnight will also be considered. The library are also flexible with dates. Please indicate the length and suggested date of Residency on your application.

Writers at all stages of their career should feel able to apply for Residency. Prose fiction and non-fiction, poetry, screenplays and drama are all eligible for submission. Submitted texts must have been published in the last three years. Judging takes place in August, and winners will be notified by the end of August. The official announcement is made at Gladfest in September. Winners will be invited to a launch event at the National Liberal Club. Winners agree to take part in publicity activity and abide by Library rules during tenure.

Deadline

Monday 30th April 2018

Each residency includes:

• Accommodation in an ensuite room for a period of four consecutive weeks;
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and refreshments (telephone calls, alcoholic drinks, packaged snacks and formal Afternoon Tea are not included);
• Travel expenses to and from the Library at the start and end of the residency (HMRC mileage allowance or standard bus/train fares within the UK);
• An honorarium of £100.00 per week.

Each winning author must:

• Attend the official London prizewinning ceremony in October
• Participate, where possible, in any other publicity events held before or after their residency;
• Respond to media/press enquiries as appropriate and by prior agreement with the library’s warden, Peter Francis;
• Submit two blog posts to the Gladstone’s Library website;
• Lead a creative writing workshop to not more than twenty participants;
• Give an evening talk about any aspect of their writing and/or creative life;
• Abide by the normal terms and conditions for guests staying at Gladstone’s Library.
• Entrants must submit:
  • a one page CV / biography;
  • a copy of the book they would like the judges to consider;
  • a 250-word statement about their take on (re)defining ‘liberal values’;
  • 250 words on the work that they plan to do at the Library;
  • a 250-word proposal for an evening event and day masterclass;
  • the length and suggested dates of their residency.

For the full submission guidelines, more information on the Gladstone library and to apply please go to https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/events/writers-in-residence