LENOX, Mass. — The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home, is once again collaborating with Western Massachusetts' Straw Dog Writers Guild to offer a residency experience for nine emerging writers. 

 

The residency focuses on writers who are developing their craft in the genres of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and plays. The residencies run weekly from March 1 - March 21, 2026. Three writers will be selected for each week. Residencies include lodging at a neighboring inn, a workspace at The Mount, breakfast, lunch, and a $500 stipend.

 

Applications opened on Sept. 1 and will close on Oct. 1, 2025, at 5:00 pm, or once 300 applications have been received. 2026 Residents and Finalists will be announced on Dec. 14, 2025. Submissions are reviewed anonymously and ranked based on the following criteria: quality of writing, originality of voice, the potential for growth as a writer, and strength of the statement of purpose.

 

"We are honored to host this writing residency, which carries forward the living legacy of Edith Wharton,” said Sarah Margolis-Pineo, program director at The Mount. "Providing emerging writers with the time, space, and encouragement to pursue their work has a transformative impact—not only on their creative journeys but also on the wider literary community. Our partnership with Straw Dog Writers Guild has been essential to this program's success, which provides a space where emerging voices can thrive."

 

Who is Eligible: Emerging poets, writers of fiction, or creative nonfiction who have not published a book or chapbook in any genre and will not have a book or chapbook forthcoming before March 1, 2026.

 

This will be the 12th year The Mount has offered writers an opportunity to create at The Mount and its fifth year partnering with Straw Dog Writers Guild.

 

For more information and access to the application form, visit EdithWharton.org or contact writersinresidence@edithwharton.org