Writer-in-Residence Application Deadline Coming Up

I’ve just ended my role as Writer-in-Residence (WIR) on the interisland ferry (though I plan to continue to ride and write periodically since I found ferryboat writing productive and fun). I’m hoping another writer will want to fill the volunteer position. If you think this fits you (or a writer you know), the deadline to apply is September 30, 2019. Here’s what prospective applicants need to know.

Job Title: Writer-in-Residence on the Interisland Ferry—a floating “writing office” on the Salish Sea.

As Writer-in-Residence on the interisland ferry, you’ll find benefits for your creativity and productivity as you ride and write (at no cost) among four Washington State islands in the Salish Sea—San Juan, Orcas, Shaw, and Lopez. You’ll feel freed from timelines and expectations with the gentle movement of the ferry and the ever-changing scenery outside your window. Look up from your keyboard or writing pad to catch glimpses of cormorants, bald eagles, harbor seals, gulls, Madrones, firs, cedars, rocky shorelines, and occasionally, whales. This is an ideal residency for writers who live in the San Juan islands as it doesn’t require relocating or spending hundreds to thousands of dollars to cover lodging, housing, and transportation. However, writers from anywhere are welcome to apply.

Four reasons to apply:

1. You can walk on to the ferry for free, then ride, write, and read as the vessel routes among the San Juan islands in the Salish Sea.
2. Crewmembers and passengers are friendly and welcoming; they’ll love what you’re doing.
3. You’ll have hours (you choose when) of solitary writing and reading in your floating office.
4. You’ll maintain all rights to the writing you produce (though don’t be surprised if WSF—and other outlets—want to publish your work).

Application Process

Application for this volunteer position is simple. Email the inaugural writer-in-residence (me!) at iris@irisgraville.com by September 30 with a brief description of:

• why you’d like to be the next writer-in-residence
• goals for your term
• how you envision filling the term (i.e. expected frequency of riding the ferry)
• any writing projects you plan to work on while riding and writing
• length of term—up to one year—you desire
• helpful to know if you currently blog and/or if you intend to blog about the WIR experience.

You may be asked to submit a writing sample. Application deadline: September 30, 2019.

I look forward to hearing from you.