The Mount, Straw Dog Writers Guild to Host 2023 Residencies

Print Story | Email Story

LENOX, Mass. — The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home, is collaborating with Western Massachusetts’ Straw Dog Writers Guild in 2023 to offer a unique residency experience for nine emerging writers.

Residencies will be for one week and include lodging at Brook Farm Inn in Lenox, a workspace at The Mount, breakfast, lunch, and a $500 stipend. The residencies run weekly from March 5 to March 25 and three writers will be selected for each week. 

This will be the ninth year The Mount has offered writers an opportunity to create at The Mount and its second year partnering with Straw Dog Writers Guild. The revamped residency now focuses on writers who are developing their craft. There is no prerequisite for being published.

"The Mount was conceived as a private retreat by a writer on the verge of her literary ascent; in the 21st century, what better way to share Edith Wharton’s home and legacy than with an organization of writers devoted to supporting emerging voices," says Patricia Pin, Director of Public Programs at The Mount. 

"In collaboration with The Mount, Straw Dog Writers Guild is honored to offer residencies to writers early in their careers. Just as Edith Wharton gained her early literary footing at The Mount, our contemporary emerging writers are offered the gift of support and our belief in them," said Jacqeline Sheehan, author and president of SDWG.  

Additional information, including an online application, is at EdithWharton.org. Applications opened on Sept. 1 and will close on Oct. 1.

The $25 application fee will be waived for financial hardship and for Mount and Straw Dog members. 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.

For additional information about the residency, please contact Patricia Pin at PPin@edithwharton.org. 


Tags: The Mount,   Writer Residency,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch Feature: Historic Craftmanship on Park Avenue

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a unique estate with historic craftsmanship? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 1 Park Ave.

This four-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath house was built in 1913 and is 6,755 square feet (which includes a finished third floor) with more than five acres.

The home is rich in character with wood flooring, a sweeping staircase, and original architectural details that are a rare find.

The main level includes a kitchen with a butler's pantry and a walk-in pantry. There is also a living room with fireplace, a den, drawing room, and multiple porches to enjoy the outdoors.

Upstairs you'll find the primary suite that includes a sitting room and a sun porch. It also has a bathroom with a jetted soaking tub, steam shower, and bidet.

The home also has a four-car garage and its finished third floor is perfect to use as another living space or a recreational room.

The house is on the market for $1,275,000.

We spoke with Sheila Thunfors with Stone House Properties who is listing the home.

What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?

It is so rare to find a house of this vintage with such exceptional craftsmanship and in such outstanding condition. To replicate would be near impossible and beyond exorbitant in cost. There is a remarkable balance of elegance with comfortable everyday living.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories