There’s a writing project that’s really important to you. 

You need quiet, focused, uninterrupted time to work on it. 

You're craving wide open space on your calendar. No meetings. No notifications. No laundry. No dishes. No adorable-yet-demanding kids. Distraction-free time to think deeply and do your best work.

A private chef, housekeeper, massage therapist, pool, jacuzzi, and breathtaking villa with an ocean view wouldn't hurt, either.

You’ve been dreaming about going on a luxurious writing retreat, like the one I host in Hawaii every January.

But maybe coming to the Hawaii Writing Retreat is not financially or logistically doable. (At least, not at this exact moment. One day!)

In the meantime, I come bearing good news:

If you love writing ... you're longing for a retreat experience ... and you're looking for something that costs zero dollars ...

There are abundant options for you.

Check out this list that I compiled:

22 Writing Residencies, Grants, and Other Opportunities That Might Change Your Life

Whether you write fiction, poetry, or nonfiction ... and whether you are an emerging voice ("I've never been published..."), seasoned pro ("All three of my books are New York Times bestsellers..."), or somewhere in between, you'll find an opportunity on this list.

If you're not familiar with this term, a writing residency is a program where you apply and share info about yourself, your career accomplishments, and the project you want to focus on — your book, essay collection, multi-media project, or whatever it is. 

Your application gets reviewed by the residency program. 

If you are selected, you get housing, meals, and other perks — free! 

It's essentially a writing retreat except you pay nothing. Sometimes, they even pay you.

Some residencies are quite fancy. Others are more basic and humble. Either way, it's an opportunity to work on your project in a distraction-free setting. 

This might be a great option for you or someone you know.

Want to spend two weeks writing your masterpiece on a 400‑acre estate in Saratoga Springs, New York?

Or a month in a historic castle in Scotland with an extensive library, plus surrounding woodlands and gardens?

Or perhaps six months in Germany in a furnished studio plus a monthly stipend to fund your project?

Go check out the residencies, pick one, and apply.

Someone is going to be selected. 

Why couldn't it be you?

-Alex

PS. Play this Dramatic Movie Score music while you apply. It will fill you with courage and drive.

PPS. I want to give an enormous THANK YOU to my amazing assistant, Aeczl Limpin, who did research and helped compile the list of writing residencies. As always, she nailed it. Thank you, Aeczl!

PPPS. If you are considering applying for a residency, grant, scholarship, award, or another opportunity, and thinking, "Oh, they would never pick me..." I encourage you to apply anyway. 

I've had so many colleagues and clients who had this EXACT thought, decided to apply anyway, and got it.

Like the classic sports saying goes, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Shoot your shot!