Writer in Residence

YpsiWrites is pleased to announce its new Writer in Residence program. This May, YpsiWrites will announce its inaugural Writer.

The YpsiWrites’ Writer Residence program will be an opportunity for a former Writer of Ypsilanti to showcase their writing and to collaborate with YpsiWrites on its vision and programs. The Writer in Residence will work closely with the YpsiWrites leadership team to determine the theme for YpsiWrites’ upcoming calendar year of programming and to develop a program and/or workshop(s) that showcases that writer’s work and skills, and that fits within the upcoming theme. In addition to these collaborative programming efforts, the Writer will also serve as a member of the Writer of Ypsilanti selection committee for the next year.

We will officially be introducing our first Writer in Residence on May 3, 2025, at our “Great Day in Ypsi” event at YDL-Michigan Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Please note: Applicants must be a previous Writer of Ypsilanti, from a cohort prior to 2024-2025.

FAQ

Who can apply?

Previous Writer of Ypsilanti, from a cohort prior to 2024-2025

What is the application timeline?

  • Applications open January 15, 2025

  • Applications close March 1, 2025

  • Interviews to be held during March 2025

  • Writer in Residence announced April 2025

  • Writer in Residence term will be April 2025-March 2026

What does a writer in residence do?

Writer can expect to spend an average of 3-4 hours per month, for a total of approximately 40 hours over the course of their term collaborating with the YpsiWrites team.

Within the 40 hours, the Writer in Residence will:

    • Meet with the YpsiWrites team to help decide next year’s theme, present their idea for a program/workshop(s) and how it fits in with planned programs (more details below), participate in YpsiWrites’ anniversary celebration (approximately 6 hours).

    • Collaborate with YpsiWrites on uplifting your own writing and work

    • Create a program and/or workshop: 

      • An YpsiWrites program typically consists of a mix of written materials and live events. For example, with the Love Letters to Ypsilanti program, the YpsiWrites team created postcards for community members to respond to prompts and hosted write-ins for folks to come together and complete them.

        • Examples include:

          • Love Letters to Ypsilanti

          • Engaging with Democracy

          • Write for Mental Wellness

          • Public Art and Public Writing Tour

      • An YpsiWrites workshop consists of a 75-minute live session, either in person or via Zoom, where participants come together to learn about a genre or technique, engage in writing activities, and share their work with each other.

        • Examples include:

          • Elevating Your Writing Craft (4 sessions, each one covering an aspect of writing craft)

          • Telling, Writing Your Own Stories, and Why It’s Important

          • Mindful Writing: Journaling and Self-Care (2 sessions)

In addition, depending on remaining hours and capacity, the Writer in Residence may contribute to YpsiWrites by serving as a member of the Writers of Ypsilanti selection committee, contributing to other YpsiWrites programming or events, and participating in other YpsiWrites-related activities as agreed upon by the Writer and the YpsiWrites leadership team.

What are the benefits of being a writer in residence?

Writer will be paid a stipend of $1,000.00. The stipend will be paid in two installments: $500.00 in October 2025 and $500.00 upon completion of their term as Writer in Residence.

  • Writer and their work will be featured on YpsiWrites’ website and social media during the course of their term. Writer will also have the opportunity to be featured in any media pieces on YpsiWrites during the course of their term.

    • Press release re: announcement of WiR recipient/awardee

    • Other news/media opportunities to uplift WiR’s existing/new writing work

  • Writer will be a key collaborator and work closely with the YpsiWrites team during the course of their term.

  • Writer may have the opportunity to connect with other local nonprofit and business organizations, depending on the scope and content of their work and interests.

Where do i apply?

Right here! Click this link to fill out the application form.