Erica Berry chosen for 2023 writer in residence
Erica Berry, the Portland, Ore.,-based author of Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell About Fear, was named the 2023 Writer in Residence by the Writer’s Guild of Astoria. During her week as the writer in residence on the North Coast, Berry will make progress on her second nonfiction book, Hot Heads, which she describes as “a mix of cultural criticism, journalism and memoir exploring the influence global warming has on romantic love.” Berry’s exploration of the linkage of climate change and romantic love flows from an assignment by Outside magazine. Imagining the existence of love in the face of an impending ecological catastrophe, she said, “is critical for helping us cope.”
The directors of the Writer’s Guild, who selected Berry from among more than 30 accomplished applicants, were impressed by the way Berry’s writing weaves through and connects what may appear to be fragments of larger themes. A chapter of Wolfish, for example, links the reintroduction of wolves to Oregon with Aesop’s fable about the wolf and the shepherd boy and the author’s youthful tendency toward hyperbole.
"Erica's work stood out for her ability to connect seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive, lyrical whole,” said Marianne Monson, founder and president of the Writer’s Guild. “We are thrilled to support her new project and look forward to welcoming her to Astoria."
The Guild awarded honorable mentions in the highly competitive program to Sean Davis of Astoria, Caroline Holm of Salem, and Alena Nahabedian of Portland.
This will be the fourth year of the Writer’s Guild Writer in Residence program. Chosen writers are hosted in a private setting for a week so that they can focus on their projects. The program is one of the ways the guild seeks to support and cultivate promising writers, especially those who live in the Pacific Northwest. The residency will culminate in a reading at the AVA Gallery (date to be determined).
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
One selected writer-in-residence will have the opportunity to spend one week in meaningful pursuit of creative work. The residency provides time and space in an idyllic setting to make substantial progress on a significant writing project. Writers of novels, short stories, nonfiction, plays, memoir, poetry, screenplays, and hybrid manuscripts will be considered.
The week of the residency will be determined by the program hosts and chosen writer. Lodging and a stipend of $250 are provided. A reception and public reading will be held at the end of the residency at the Astoria Visual Arts Gallery. Residents are expected to arrange for their round-trip transportation and meals.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications deadline for 2023 closed April 30. Requirements:
(1) a one-page cover letter describing your experience and interests as a writer, your connection with the Pacific Northwest, and what you hope to accomplish during your residency;
(2) a one-page description of your writing project, its scope, and current state;
(3) a 5-page writing sample; and
(4) a resume or CV, including any publications, if applicable.
Submit complete application via email to: info@thewritersguild.org
Contact: Marianne Monson ~~ marianne.monson@gmail.com ~~ 503-709-5740