Fellowships (Current & Past)

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to announce the “Real People, Real Struggles, Real Stories” Fellowship, designed to support a writer working on a short or long-form non-fiction project that explores personal experiences with mental illness. This fellowship seeks narratives that not only provide insight and awareness but, most importantly, offer hope. Writers are encouraged to share their journeys, aspirations, and the ways they adapt and fine-tune their dreams. Stories addressing relationships, family life, travel, employment, civic contributions, and personal passions—alongside the barriers, fears, and stigmas encountered—are especially welcome. Submissions must be non-fiction and may take the form of memoir, essay, profile, or biography. The winning application will demonstrate insight, honesty, literary merit, and strong potential for publication.

The fellowship winner will be awarded a two-week residency at WCDH, providing the recipient with an opportunity to focus entirely on their writing. Each writer’s suite includes a bedroom, private bathroom, dedicated writing space, and wireless internet. The residency also includes uninterrupted writing time, a European-style gourmet dinner five nights a week, and the camaraderie of other professional writers. A community kitchen stocked with essential ingredients is available for additional meals. WCDH will work closely with the fellow to develop a community outreach project that aligns with their strengths and skillset.​

Fellowship applications must be submitted with a writing sample and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Writers proposing multiple projects must submit separate applications and fees for each. The submission period opens on Monday, February 3, 2025, and the deadline for entries is midnight CST on Monday, April 21, 2025. The fellowship winner will be announced no later than June 1, 2025, and the residency must be completed by December 31, 2026.​

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow extends heartfelt gratitude to long-time supporter and former board member Sharon Spurlin for generously funding this fellowship.