Hashtag Kalakar Fully Funded Writers Residency

A Merit-Based International Residency for Writers, Poets, Novelists & Storytellers

The Hashtag Kalakar Fully Funded Writers Residency is a global, merit-based international residency program created for writers, poets, fiction writers, novelists, screenwriters, and literary storytellers from around the world.

Each residency cycle selects 25 exceptional writers globally for a fully funded 30-day international writers residency, offering uninterrupted creative time, professional editorial mentorship, global exposure, and long-term literary credibility.

This is not a writing contest.
This is not a paid publishing scheme.
This is a serious, career-focused writer's residency program.

Last Date Of Registration: 24th January 2026 (EST Time Zone)

Participation Fee

$50

(Participation Fee used for jury evaluation, curation, and administration. Does NOT guarantee selection.)

After registration, within 48 hours, you will receive the submission link in your email.

Key Dates

Last Date for Registration: 24th January 2026
Artwork Submission Deadline: 31st October 2026
Final Selection Announcement: (To be informed post-submission deadline)

What Is the Hashtag Kalakar Writers Residency?

This residency is designed to help writers:

• Write in a focused, distraction-free international environment
• Develop original literary work with depth and clarity
• Receive structured editorial and mentor feedback
• Build a strong author portfolio and literary identity
• Gain global visibility through publications and media features

Selection is 100% merit-based and handled through a transparent, professional evaluation process.

What Makes This Residency Different?

Writers selected among the Top 25 receive:

✔️ Round-trip economy-class flight tickets
✔️ Accommodation for the entire residency
✔️ Dedicated writing time and workspace
✔️ Category-specific editorial mentorship
✔️ Literary workshops & peer critique sessions
✔️ Publication & global magazine features
✔️ Public reading / digital literary showcase
✔️ Official International Writers Residency Certificate

No hidden costs. No post-selection fees.

How Writers Are Selected (Fair & Ethical Process)

To ensure quality and global accessibility, writers are selected through a Residency Selection Process.

Participation Fee

USD $50 (One-Time Entry Fee)

This fee supports:
• Editorial review
• Jury evaluation
• Program administration & verification

⚠️ Payment does NOT guarantee selection.

Step 1 – Writer Introduction Video (Mandatory)

Duration: 60–120 seconds

The video should include:
• Your name & country
• Your writing journey
• Your primary writing category
• Why you want to join this residency
• Your long-term literary goal

This helps the jury understand your intent, seriousness, and vision, beyond just the text.

Step 2 – Writing Submission

Submit one original work in your chosen category, along with a 150–300 word concept note.

Evaluation Criteria

Writing Quality & Originality - 40%

Voice, Style & Depth - 25%

Concept & Intent - 20%

Presentation & Professionalism - 15%

Selection Outcome

• Top 25 writers selected globally
• Selected writers receive direct entry into the Fully Funded Writers Residency

All Forms of Writing Are Welcome

The Hashtag Kalakar Writers Residency is inclusive and genre-agnostic.
All original forms of writing are eligible.

Applicants must choose one primary writing category while applying.

Writing Categories & Category-Wise Residency Details

1. Poetry Residency

All Poetry Forms Accepted

Includes:
Free verse, spoken word, performance poetry, classical poetry, experimental poetry, prose poetry

During the Residency:
• Daily poetry writing sessions
• Line-by-line editorial feedback
• Voice, rhythm & imagery workshops
• Group poetry readings & critique circles

Submission:
• 3–5 original poems or one long poem

Outcome:
✔️ Polished poetry portfolio
✔️ Public reading & publication feature

2. Fiction Writing Residency

Short & Medium-Length Fiction

Includes:
Literary fiction, genre fiction (romance, thriller, fantasy, sci-fi, horror), flash fiction, short stories

During the Residency:
• Character & plot development sessions
• Narrative structure workshops
• Peer critique groups
• Editorial story refinement

Submission:
• One short story (up to 3,000 words)

Outcome:
✔️ Publication-ready short fiction
✔️ Strong narrative portfolio

3. Novel Writing Residency

Long-Form Fiction & Manuscripts

Includes:
Novels, novellas, series manuscripts, literary & genre novels

During the Residency:
• Story arc & chapter planning
• One-on-one manuscript mentoring
• Writing discipline & productivity sessions
• Publishing roadmap guidance

Submission:
• Novel excerpt (up to 3,000 words)
• Brief synopsis (300–500 words)

Outcome:
✔️ Strong manuscript foundation
✔️ Clear novel completion roadmap

4. Creative Non-Fiction Residency

Includes:
Personal essays, memoirs, narrative journalism, travel writing, cultural writing

During the Residency:
• Narrative & structure workshops
• Voice & authenticity development
• Editorial feedback sessions
• Publishing & magazine pitching guidance

Submission:
• One original piece (up to 3,000 words)

Outcome:
✔️ Publication-ready nonfiction work
✔️ Strong personal voice

5. Screenwriting & Scriptwriting Residency

Includes:
Film screenplays, short film scripts, web-series scripts, theatre plays

During the Residency:
• Storytelling for screen & stage
• Character arcs & dialogue workshops
• Script structure & formatting
• Peer table readings

Submission:
• Script excerpt or short script (up to 20 pages)

Outcome:
✔️ Polished script draft
✔️ Industry-ready format

6. Journaling, Letters & Experimental Writing Residency

Includes:
Personal journals, letters, epistolary writing, hybrid & experimental forms

During the Residency:
• Form-breaking writing sessions
• Expression & voice exploration
• Editorial discussions on structure & intent

Submission:
• Writing samples totalling 1,500–3,000 words

Outcome:
✔️ Refined experimental work
✔️ Clear artistic intent

7. Multilingual & Regional Language Writing Residency

Includes:
Writing in any language, regional or indigenous languages, bilingual work

English is NOT mandatory.

During the Residency:
• Language-specific guidance (where feasible)
• Translation & presentation support
• Global audience positioning

Submission:
• Original writing in any language
• Optional English summary (recommended)

Outcome:
✔️ Global visibility for regional voices
✔️ Cultural representation

Residency Locations

Residencies are conducted in culturally rich global cities, including:

Location Allocation Policy

• Writers select their preferred city during application process
• Cities with higher selected participation become active residency locations
• Final allocation depends on visa feasibility and logistics

If a chosen city does not activate, writers are offered:
• An alternative city, or
• Placement in the next residency cycle

30-Day Writers Residency Structure

Week 1 – Orientation & Literary Direction

• Arrival & accommodation check-in
• Residency orientation
• Writing goals & project planning
• One-on-one editorial introduction

Outcome: clarity of theme, structure & direction.

Week 2 – Deep Writing & Editorial Mentorship

• Daily writing schedule
• Category-specific mentorship
• Group readings & critiques
• Language, structure & narrative workshops

Outcome: stronger manuscript & refined voice.

Week 3 – Publishing, Branding & Literary Career

• Author bio & portfolio building
• Publishing ecosystem insights
• Personal branding for writers
• Media & interview preparation

Outcome: publication-ready author profile.

Week 4 – Showcase, Publication & Recognition

• Public reading / digital showcase
• Feature in Global Writers Magazine
• Certification ceremony
• PR & media distribution

Outcome: international literary visibility.

What Writers Gain

✔️ Fully funded international residency experience
✔️ Focused writing time
✔️ Editorial mentorship
✔️ Publication & media exposure
✔️ Official residency certification
✔️ Global literary network
✔️ Career-level confidence

Why Only 25 Writers?

Great writing requires time, silence, and thoughtful feedback.

By selecting only 25 writers globally, we ensure:
• Individual editorial attention
• Meaningful critique
• Serious literary outcomes

This residency is about depth, not volume.

Trust & Transparency Commitment

✔️ Merit-based selection only
✔️ No guaranteed acceptance
✔️ Copyright remains with the writer
✔️ Clear inclusions & exclusions
✔️ Secure official payment links only

⚠️ Hashtag Kalakar never promises guaranteed selection or asks for payment outside official channels.

Eligibility

• Open to writers worldwide
• All writing forms accepted
• Minimum age: 18 years
• No prior publication required

Legal & Visa Disclaimer

• Entry fee does not guarantee selection
• Visa approval subject to embassy decision
• Official invitation letters provided
• Program details may change due to logistics
• Jurisdiction: India