2 Golden Opportunities for Writers

Black Mountain Institute: Shearing Fellowship

Are you an emerging or established writer with at least one published book? The Black Mountain Institute's Shearing Fellowship could be your next big break. This prestigious residential fellowship offers much more than just funding—it's a chance to immerse yourself in a thriving creative community.

What You'll Get:

• $46,500 stipend spread over 9 months

• Free housing in downtown Las Vegas' vibrant arts district (you'll only cover some utilities)

• Office space at BMI on the UNLV campus

• Health coverage eligibility

• Official semester-long appointment letter

• No formal teaching requirements—this is designed as a working fellowship to support your creative project

The Setting:

You'll be living and working in downtown Las Vegas' unique arts complex, surrounded by fellow creatives in one of the most dynamic cultural districts in the Southwest. The BMI is also connected to the International Cities of Refuge network, supporting artists at risk worldwide.

Requirements:

• At least one book published with a trade or literary press

• Commitment to a working fellowship (see their guidelines for details)

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

Ready to apply? Visit the Black Mountain Institute website for complete application guidelines and requirements.

Other BMI Opportunities to Watch:

117° Residency (Summer 2025)

• $10,000 for a two-month residency

• For published writers working on nonfiction, poetry, or hybrid projects

• Applications open: November 10, 2025

• Deadline: January 1, 2026

BMI-Kluge Fellowship

• $15,000 for three months at the Library of Congress

• Perfect for writers whose work would benefit from the Library's collections

• Applications open: February 2, 2026

• Deadline: March 22, 2026

City of Asylum Fellowship

• No application process—invitation only

• Part of their commitment to supporting writers at risk

A powerful theme meets micro-fiction mastery

Ready to explore the complex territory of moral choices? This themed flash fiction contest challenges writers to examine the concept of "unrepentance" in just 100-150 words.

The Challenge:

Write a compelling flash fiction piece inspired by the theme of unrepentance. The contest celebrates the November 2025 publication of Sharmini Aphrodite's "THE UNREPENTANT" and invites writers to explore questions like:

• When should we repent, and why don't we?

• When should we refuse to repent?

• What do we gain by standing firm in our choices—integrity, recognition, or simple survival?

Prizes:

• 1st Place: $300

• 2nd Place: $200

• 3rd Place: $100

Requirements:

• 100-150 words exactly

• Original flash fiction on the theme of "unrepentance"

• Any creative interpretation of the theme is welcome

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025

Ready to submit? Head to Singapore Unbound's website for submission guidelines and entry requirements.