Writing Fellowship: Black Mountain Institute Shearing Fellowship

Shearing Fellowship
Applications will open September 15, 2024 and close at 11:59pm PT on November 1, 2024.

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For emerging and distinguished writers who have published at least one book with a trade or literary press, this fellowship includes:

• compensation of $46,500 paid over a nine-month period;

• a nine-month-long letter of appointment;

• eligibility for optional health coverage;

• office space in the BMI offices on the campus of UNLV;

• housing (fellows cover some utilities) in a unique and vibrant arts complex in the bustling district of downtown Las Vegas—home to The Writer’s Block, our city’s beloved independent bookstore; and

• recognition at BMI as a “Shearing Fellow.”

While there are no formal teaching requirements, this is a “working fellowship” located in Las Vegas. BMI’s visiting fellows will maintain office hours (10 per week), and will offer regular service to the community. In addition to the primary goal of furthering one’s own writing during their term in Las Vegas, visiting fellows are expected to engage in a substantial way with BMI’s community, in ways that connect to their interests and skills. Upon acceptance into the program, each fellow will craft a plan in partnership with BMI. This is equally weighted against the writing sample and proposed literary project for the residency. Here are some examples of activities a visiting fellow might pursue:

• Offer readings, craft talks, and other public presentations to the readers and writers of UNLV and Southern Nevada.

• Offer workshops or seminars.

• Curate events or programs.

• Provide support to one of BMI’s publications (e.g. judge contests or consult on editorial processes).

Please feel free to move beyond these examples in your application – BMI wants to find new ways to serve the Las Vegas community, especially beyond the UNLV campus.

Application details

Please submit: 

• A one- to three-page personal statement,* which includes 1) your interest in being part of the Las Vegas literary community, 2) a practical description of how you envision fulfilling your service hours and engaging the Las Vegas community, and 3) the writing project(s) you will work on while in residency.

• A writing sample (10 pages maximum,* double-spaced, 12 pt. font).

• A résumé or CV.

*Please respect the committee’s time by observing these guidelines and page limits.

Finalists will be asked to send copies of their books. (Applicants must have at least one book published by a trade or literary press.) Candidates are selected by a committee of staff and community members at BMI.