If you are interested in the Wallace Stegner Fellowship, you are in the right place. As you read through, we will enlighten you on everything there is to know about the Wallace Stegner Fellowship.
Wallace Stegner Fellowship
Stanford University’s writing program stands out by offering ten two-year fellowships annually, with five dedicated to fiction and five to poetry.
In each genre, fellows come together weekly for a three-hour workshop led by faculty members.
Stegner Fellows are recognized as practicing artists who are focused on honing and perfecting their writing skills.
The sole requirements are active writing and regular workshop participation.
This fellowship program does not confer a degree but is seen more as an opportunity for emerging writers to function as artists in residence, dedicating two years to nurturing their craft in the supportive environment of their peers and Stanford’s faculty.
In the selection process for awarding fellowships, we assess the quality of the applicant’s creative work, their potential for growth, and their capacity to contribute to and benefit from our writing workshops.
Our fellows exhibit a range of writing styles and experiences, with talent and dedication being the shared qualities that unite them.
Key Features
1. The fellowship spans a duration of two years, and the admissions process is structured so that there are ten first-year fellows and ten second-year fellows at Stanford each year.
2. Fellows are required to both write and participate in a weekly workshop that lasts for three hours.
3. The workshop aligns with Stanford’s academic calendar, permitting fellows to enjoy summers for other pursuits like work, writing, or travel.
4. While it shares some similarities with an MFA program, this fellowship does not grant a degree.
5. It provides a generous living stipend of $50,000.
6. Applications are open to all interested individuals, and all applicants receive notification of fellowship decisions in April.
Eligibility Criteria
We encourage all individuals interested in the Stegner Fellowship to submit an application.
While having previously published a book is not obligatory, it’s worth considering that prior publication might indicate that a writer’s career has progressed beyond the stage where the fellowship’s instruction and workshop feedback would be most beneficial for their development.
Responsibilities
Mainly, Stegner Fellows are expected to regularly attend workshops led by faculty, focusing on writing, revising, and refining their work to achieve a completed manuscript suitable for publication.
However, to enhance their fellowship experience, we strongly encourage all fellows to take part in various activities, including attending readings and lecture series hosted by our program.
In the past, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming guest speakers such as Zadie Smith, David Treuer, Gilbert King, Mary Ruefle, and Hilton Als.
We also organize public readings and colloquiums featuring our annual visiting poet-in-residence and visiting writer-in-residence.
During the first year of their fellowship, fellows engage in the Stegner Fellow Reading series, where they present their work to the public.
Additionally, fellows have the opportunity to assist with undergraduate courses, lead writing workshops, and provide special tutorials and independent studies for our undergraduate students.
Application Deadline
The application period commences on September 1 and concludes at 11:59 pm (PST) on November 1.
Is Residency Required?
Indeed, it is necessary to reside in proximity to the Stanford main campus to be able to participate in the weekly workshops, attend readings, and join the program’s events featuring visiting poets and writers.
Can one Sustain Themselves Solely on the Fellowship?
Living in the costly Bay Area may necessitate additional income to make ends meet, often achieved by working during the summer.
Is There a Chance for Me to Engage in Teaching to Augment My Income?
Occasionally, yes. However, it’s important to note that teaching opportunities are not guaranteed, as priority is given to Ph.D. students who require teaching experience for their degree requirements.
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