Writer-in-Residence

Blount County Public Library’s (BCPL) Writer-in-Residence program engages with aspiring or published writers who reside in Blount County or surrounding counties, promotes the Library's mission through the creation of an original piece of work, and shares their knowledge through programming.

BCPL Writer in Residence Selection Committee will select a candidate for a two year term with allowance for a one year extension.  The successful candidate will have an office for the duration of the tenure located at BCPL. 

The Writer in Residence will participate in the following activities:

  1. Complete an original piece of work.

  2. Facilitate multiple public programs/workshops per year, including an event celebrating local authors.

  3. Dedicate a minimum of five office hours at BCPL weekly

  4. Available to provide guidance to other local aspiring writers.

  5. Receive a $10,000 per year stipend plus $2,000 over the term of the residency for editing and/or proofreading.

  6. Work in conjunction with the Library Director and liaison from the Friends of Blount County Public Library.

Applicants must submit a one page resume, cover letter, writing sample (500 to 1000 words), a one page statement (500 word limit in 12 Point font, double spaced Word document) stating why they should be considered the next Writer in Residence and list programming ideas at Blount County Public Library and a five minute video presentation (shared via link). Deadline for completed applications is March 31, 2023.

Funds to support the Writer in Residence program are provided through the generous donation of the Friends of Blount County Public Library. The mission of The Blount County Friends of the Library is to advance the mission of the Blount County Public Library by providing financial and organizational support.

Blount County Public Library

Writer-in-Residence Application

The Blount County Public Library (BCPL) Writer-in-Residence program was established to promote the BCPL's mission through the creation of an original piece of work and the distribution of knowledge through programming for aspiring/published writers in Blount County and surrounding counties.

Blount County Public Library’s Mission Statement: 

The Blount County Public Library empowers residents to think, act, and aspire by 

providing opportunities to connect to our community, participate in life-long learning, and explore the world at large. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Author residing in Blount County or surrounding counties (Blount County resident preferred)

  • Must be at least 21 years of age

  • Experience with facilitating or teaching, preferably in a public setting

Position Expectations

  • Completion of an original piece of work

  • Facilitate multiple public programs/workshops per year, including an event celebrating local authors

  • Available a minimum of five hours per week (office hours) to provide advice to aspiring authors, no editing or proofing outside works is expected

  • Work in conjunction with the BCPL Director and a liaison from Friends of the Blount County Public Library.  This time is on top of the office hours requirement.

Friends of the Blount County Public Library will Provide

  • Two year residency with allowance for a one year extension agreement

  • $10,000 per year stipend

  • $2,000 over the term of the residency for editing and/or proofreading

BCPL will Provide

  • Office space available for offering writer’s advice and perspective at BCPL for the duration of the tenure (Minimum of five office hours per week).

  • Public profile on BCPL website

Application

Deadline submission is: 5 pm on March 31st, 2023

Entrants must submit complete packets to bcpl.writer@blounttn.org:

Packets must include:

  • One page Cover Letter

  • One page Resume

  • Short Writing Sample (500 to 1000 words)

  • Statement stating why they should be considered the next Blount County Public Library Writer-in-Residence and the program ideas during the yearly tenure (500 word limit in 12 Point font, double spaced Word document)

  • Five minute video presentation, shared via a link

Files need to be named in the following manner:

Year First Letter of First Name Last Name Document Description

Example:

    2023ABruelandCoverLetter

    2023ABruelandResume

    2023ABruelandShortWritingSample

    2023ABruelandStatement

    2023ABruelandVideo - Paste of link

FAQs: Submit any questions you may have regarding the Writer-in-Residence program to the bcpl.writer@blounttn.org email address. Questions will be posted and answered on the BCPL webpage, under the What’s Happening tab, Writer-in-Residence page within three business days.