ALL VOICES FELLOWSHIP
For writers who identify with any group that is under-represented in traditional publishing. Covers all costs other than travel to an in-person retreat.
View previous All Voices Fellowship recipients >
ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIPS
The All Voices fellowships are open to writers who identify with any group traditionally underrepresented in literature and publishing, and who have some financial need. To read about what “some financial need” means, go here.
The definition of a "group that is traditionally underrepresented" is broad, and is self-defined and self-identified by you. If you have problems finding books or movies with people like you as a main character, you qualify.
One or two fellowships are awarded for each retreat. Splendid Mola sponsors one for every retreat, and Sara Rutenberg, former conference coordinator for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and a life-long supporter of books and writers, sponsors an annual second fellowship.
A note on the physical challenges of the location: The retreat center is extremely rustic (no paved roads or sidewalks and uneven ground). I am sorry to say that it is currently not wheelchair accessible. They are working on that. In the meantime, I am looking for an accessible location in Southern California. If you have a suggestion, please reach out.
WHY
Everyone's story matters. Often, writers who do not fall into the "majority" culture do not have equal access to classes, retreats, internships, and conferences where they might hone their craft and have time to really focus on their writing. The All Voices Fellowship is one small offering to address this.
WHO QUALIFIES
Anyone who self-identifies with an underrepresented group. There are no set guidelines for this other than what is offered above.
Financial need is also determined by you, not me. You do not need to provide paperwork to prove anything. To read more about this, go here.
To read about previous Fellowship recipients, go here.
TRAVEL
The award is one free spot on the Splendid Mola Writing Retreat, including all lodging, meals, snacks, yoga, and anything else a paying registrant would receive.
Transportation is not included. Please be sure you can get to the retreat before you apply. If you are flying in, LAX is the main airport and Ontario is the closest. The Perch at Twin Peaks is still 2 hours away from LAX, so you will need a car to get there. I will do my absolute best to help you arrange a carpool or a ride but cannot guarantee that, so it is likely you will have to rent a car and drive yourself there.
DEADLINES
Applications are accepted until eight weeks before each retreat, and recipients will be chosen within two weeks after that. Everyone in the current application pool will be notified of the recipient. Please be sure you can attend on this relatively short notice.
HOW THE RECIPIENT IS CHOSEN
This is my personal and private offering. There is no Board of Directors. There is no anonymous panel of judges. It's just me, looking for the person who seems to be the best fit for a particular retreat, and Sara Rutenberg doing the same for her fellowship. In other words, the recipients will be chosen as everything in publishing is chosen: subjectively. (Sorry. I know. Annoying.)
All applicants will be notified of the final choice via email. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
If you know writers who may be interested in this award, please share this with them. Likewise, if you or an organization you know might like to subsidize additional fellowships so even more writers can have protected time to write and get their stories told, please reach out!