Hedgebrook: Whidbey Island Writers Residency for Women

Hedgebrook is a renowned literary nonprofit dedicated to supporting visionary women writers. Located on 48 acres of forest and meadow on Whidbey Island, Washington, Hedgebrook provides fully funded residencies in handcrafted cottages with stunning views of Puget Sound.

What Hedgebrook Offers

• Private cottage (handcrafted, each unique)
• All meals provided
• Complete residency at no cost
• Duration: 2-3 weeks
• Solitude for focused writing

Genres Accepted

• Poetry
• Prose - Fiction
• Prose - Nonfiction
• Playwriting
• Screenwriting/TV

Eligibility

Hedgebrook's mission supports women-identified writers, which includes:

• Cisgender women
• Transgender women
• Female-identified individuals
• Age 18 and older

The program welcomes:

• Published and unpublished writers
• Writers at all career stages
• Emerging voices

Application Details

2026 Writer-in-Residence Program

• Applications: February 14 - April 14, 2025
• Notifications: Early November 2025
• Residencies: Throughout 2026

Application Fee

• Standard fee applies
• Fee waivers available (cap of 50 per cycle)

Where to Apply

Applications via SlideRoom

Selection Statistics

• Approximately 1,500 applications received annually
• 60+ residencies awarded per year
• Waitlist available for strong candidates

The Hedgebrook Experience

The Cottages

Six handcrafted cottages, each with:

• Writing desk by window
• Cozy sleeping loft or bed
• Wood-burning stove
• Small kitchen
• Private outdoor space
• Unique character and history

The Farmhouse

• Communal dinners prepared by staff
• Gathering space for evening conversation
• Library and resources
• Community kitchen

Daily Life

• Morning: Breakfast basket delivered to cottage
• Day: Uninterrupted writing time
• Evening: Communal dinner at Farmhouse (optional)
• Complete autonomy over schedule

The Land

• 48 acres of forest and meadow
• Walking trails
• Organic garden
• Views of Puget Sound
• 35 miles northwest of Seattle

The Mother Tree Residency (Paid Option)

In 2025, Hedgebrook introduced partially subsidized residencies:

• 2 weeks: $4,000
• 3 weeks: $6,000
• Rolling applications year-round
• Same Hedgebrook experience

What Makes Hedgebrook Special

"Radical Hospitality"

Hedgebrook's philosophy centers on:

• Nourishing women writers' bodies and spirits
• Creating space free from domestic demands
• Supporting diverse voices
• Building community while honoring solitude

The Network

• Access to Hedgebrook alumni community
• Public programs and readings
• Ongoing support beyond residency
• Connections with publishers and agents

Application Tips

1. Authentic voice - Hedgebrook values unique perspectives
2. Strong writing sample - Your best, most polished work
3. Clear project description - What you'll work on during residency
4. Demonstrate need - How will Hedgebrook time benefit your work?

Writing Sample Requirements

• Poetry: 8-10 pages
• Prose: 15-20 pages
• Playwriting: 15-20 pages or full-length play
• Screenwriting: 15-20 pages or full screenplay

Notable Alumni

Hedgebrook has supported writers including:

• Gloria Steinem
• Ruth Ozeki
• Cheryl Strayed
• Barbara Kingsolver
• Hundreds of emerging voices

How to Apply

1. Visit hedgebrook.org/writers-in-residence
2. Review current guidelines
3. Prepare writing sample and materials
4. Apply through SlideRoom during open period
5. Await notification

Related Resources

• Official Hedgebrook Website
• Writer-in-Residence Program
• FAQs
• The Mother Tree Residency

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Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official Hedgebrook website.