Soapstone offers residencies to writers working on fiction, poetry, drama, screenwriting, memoir, essay—every kind of literary writing. Academic, scholarly, journalistic, or research-related writing does not qualify. Our focus is on what is generally understood to be "creative writing," a term of art that does not mean to imply that other writing lacks creativity.

Residencies are from one to four weeks in length but we strongly encourage applicants to request a minimum of two weeks. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and a resident of the United States. No staff person lives on site, but one can be reached by phone for questions and concerns.

There are rules governing private space and shared space to protect each writer’s privacy. We advise against expecting to spend evening or other free time with the other writer unless you have applied as a pair and know ahead of time that you both want to do this. Some pairs share meals and read their work to each other in the evenings, some even become lifelong friends; others stay quite separate, working through the entire day until bedtime, or simply preferring minimal interaction.

You will be alone with yourself in a substantial way that is rarely available in modern life. You may go through an intense experience with moods that descend and rise unpredictably as you go deeper into writing and reflection. You should judge yourself ready to spend extensive time alone.

The two writers need to live in conscious cooperation with one another, and both be responsible stewards of Soapstone's resources. Residents are sent detailed information about how to use and care for the water system, the wood stoves, the Jacuzzi, etc., and are expected to read the materials carefully. If you are someone who doesn't like to follow instructions, who balks at rules, or if your experience and temperament do not otherwise suit these circumstances, Soapstone is not for you.

Each writer (or pair of writers applying together) must be able to handle all the requisite tasks, which include fetching wood, building fires in the wood stove, hauling out garbage and recyclable materials, shopping for and cooking meals, cleaning up before leaving, etc. Writers bring their own food, supplies, computers and linens; Soapstone provides the rest.

Each resident will need her own car at Soapstone unless both residents agree ahead of time to share one (and agree that if one needs to leave, the other will drive her where she needs to go). There is no public transportation nearby and no taxi service. The nearest real grocery store is about 10 miles. Soapstone, Inc. is not able to offer transportation under any circumstances.

The only charge for the residency is a fee of $4 per day for unlimited local and long distance calls within the U.S. and high speed wireless internet service. A refundable deposit of $175 is required to hold your place.

No pets are allowed without prior approval. No children of any age are allowed during residency.

All indoor spaces are nonsmoking.

How to apply:
For an application form and instructions go to How to Apply for a Residency