Kiwi writers encouraged to apply for Iowa Writers' Residency

As of yesterday (13 January 2010), the Iowa Writers' Residency is open for applications. Creative New Zealand is calling for applications for the International Writing Program, University of Iowa Writers’ Residency 2010. This writer’s residency brings established writers from around the world to the University of Iowa International Writing Program (IWP) where they become part of the lively literary community on campus.

This unique opportunity, the result of a partnership between Creative New Zealand and the University of Iowa, is open for a nationally recognised New Zealand writer who has previously published at least one volume of work. Applicants from all literary genres at an early stage of their career, as well as more established writers, are eligible to apply.

The residency’s main aim is for the recipient to work on an approved project that, once complete, will be able to demonstrate other tangible benefits to New Zealand literature. Participants are given periods of unstructured time to work on their own writing projects, but some afternoons will feature literary activities (including the opportunity to participate in panel discussions and readings), excursions and field trips.

Last year's recipient, Kathy White, found it an incredible experience. "There were writing opportunities I could never have anticipated, and friends to meet who will be friends forever. Perhaps the greatest experience of all was learning how much writing means to me, and discovering that I'm actually good at it, and that I want to do it for the rest of my life. I can never thank Creative New Zealand enough for that."

The programme, founded in 1967, was the first international writers’ residency at a university, and remains unique in world literature. More than 1000 writers from more than 100 countries have completed residencies there.

Previous New Zealand recipients of the residency include: Gordon McLauchlan, Vivienne Plumb, James Norcliffe, Penelope Todd, Brian Falkner and Kathy White.

The residency runs from August 28 to November 12, 2010 and provides return travel to Iowa, insurance, mid-residency travel and accommodation, assistance with living expenses, a stipend and accommodation on the campus of the University of Iowa. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 26 February 2010. For further application details and criteria please go to the Special Opportunities page here where you can also read 2009 recipient, Kathy White's blog about her experiences.

For further information on the residency, please contact:Felicity Birch, Programme Advisor: 044980735 or felicity.birch@creativenz.govt.nz

------------------------------------------------------

With New Zealand crime and thriller writing seeming to kick up a notch in recent years, with the growing international success of writers like Paul Cleave, Lindy Kelly hitting #1 on the bestseller list, and other authors like Vanda Symon being mentioned on The Listener's Top 100 books of the year list (international and NZ books), perhaps its time for Kiwi crime and thriller writers to put their hat in the ring, and receive such recognition, support and 'awards' from agencies like Creative New Zealand.