AUSTIN, Tex., February 6, 2024 – Torch Literary Arts (Torch) is excited to announce the return and extension of the annual Torch Retreat, a week-long paid creative writing retreat for Black women writers to gather in community, work on unfinished writing, and rest. The retreat applications are open until February 19 at 11:59 pm (CST). Interested writers with works-in-progress across poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and script can learn more about the retreat application guidelines and apply at torchliteraryarts.org/retreat.

This year, retreat fellows can expect a week-long stay at the Colton House from July 21-28, where they will have the opportunity to work on their unfinished projects with check-ins and options to share their work in a nurturing environment. Every retreat fellow receives a $1,000 stipend to help with costs associated with travel, supplies, or simply peace of mind while they focus on their work.

New to this year’s retreat is the addition of creative nonfiction (personal memoir or lyric essays), increasing the number of this year’s retreat fellows to eight. Each fellow is paired according to their genre in a two-bedroom suite with their own private bedroom and bathroom. At the end of the retreat, fellows will share their work during a public reading. 

The Torch Retreat’s inaugural fellowship started in 2023 with six fellows writing across poetry, fiction, and script. Our 2023 retreat fellows included Ashley M. Coleman, Ajanaė Dawkins, Victoria Newton Ford, Ashunda Norris, Obinwanne Nwizu, and Keya Vance. You can watch a video of the 2023 Torch Retreat readings here.

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About Torch Literary Arts

Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events. 

Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today.

Media Contact Information:

Brittany Heckard

Communications Associate

bheckard@torchliteraryarts.org 

(512) 641-9251