The 2022 Award Cycle is now closed.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 12, 2021
WINNERS ANNOUNCED: January 15, 2022
RENTAL QUESTIONS: The Daisy Pettles House for women writers, artists, and scholars is available for private rentals (monthly OR weekly) whenever a winning writer is not in residence. The home can accommodate up to four adult occupants at any one time and is idea for retreats, self-guided writing residencies, book groups, critique groups, research scholars, private workshops, visiting professors and lecturers at Indiana University-Bloomington, reunions, and girlfriend getaways. Contact Cindy cindy@daisypettleswritingcontest for details on availability and rates. Your booking will help support older women writers and artists!
Can I Get a Fee Waiver or Reduction Based on Hardship?
We offer a sliding fee schedule to assist women in need:
$45 (Regular Fee); $25 (Reduced Fee); $0 (Hardship Waiver)
If you don’t have the $45 application fee a limited number of waivers are available due to the generosity of sponsors. To qualify for either the reduced fee or hardship waiver follow the guidelines below PRIOR to submitting an application.
Waivers or reductions are available to those who make $24,000 or less a year. In 500 words or less tell us your approximate annual income, and where your money comes from. Tell us what type of writing you’re working on, and why you can’t afford the $45 fee. Attach a copy of your annual 1040 Tax Return or its international equivalent. (You may black out your social security or other ID number.)
Send your FEE REDUCTION ($25) or HARDSHIP WAIVER ($0) request to cindy@daisypettleswritingcontest.com.
You’ll hear back shortly. In the meantime, let your social media peeps know that they can help support women writers like you and all our sisters in need by donating as little as $10 through Daisy’s GO FUND ME page.
Every dollar helps!
Why Is This Residency and Contest Open Only to Women Writers?
Here’s a sad truth: women writers make 89 cents on the dollar compared to men. They also often dedicate long stretches of their life to caretaking others, often foregoing their writing passions and careers for decades. Women get published less often; their books sell for less; and their books are much less likely to be reviewed by the authorities that control publishing awards. This makes us sad. We are women, and we would like to help support women, who too often write against the odds when it comes to recognition, financial support, and the demands society makes on our time.
Who Is Daisy Pettles?
Daisy Pettles is an award-winning author of cozy mystery books, notably the crime comedy series. The Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, and a lifelong philanthropist. The Daisy Pettles House belonged to her mother, June, who passed away in 2019. June, despite having a ninth grade education, was an avid reader who encouraged Daisy to read as much as she liked. Never once did June tell Daisy to get her nose out of a book. For this, Daisy is eternally grateful.
Daisy has donated the house itself for use as a safe and quiet retreat for women writers. Reading fees and a GO FUND ME campaign—please DONATE!—help provide the support needed to keep the lights on, the Internet humming, and other such daily necessities.
Can a Couple Attend the Same Residency Period?
Yes. For contest winners, the house can accommodate two adults during any one residency period. We realize that in some cases a couple – women writing partners, romantic f/f couples, lesbians, sisters, mothers/daughters, BFF’s – may wish to attend a residency together.
If you want a second adult to reside in the house with you, and you are awarded a residency, an additional $250 fee would apply at the time of your occupancy. This fee can be deducted from your prize money if you wish.
Can I Bring My Children to the Writer’s House?
Yes. If you are a working mother with children, and a residency prize winner, you can bring up to two dependent children to the house. Be aware that while the house is furnished there are no special furnishings for children such as cribs or high chairs. If you are awarded a residency and wish to bring a child with you an additional $100 fee would apply per child at the time of your occupancy.
Can I Have a Short-Term Overnight Guest in the Writer’s House?
Yes. Prize winners can have one overnight guest during your residency period for a total of up to 10 days with no additional fees. Please note that any overnight guest must be approved of in writing in advance of the visit.
APPLY ONLINE HERE
Can I Keep Working on Freelance Jobs While in Residency?
Yes. If you have freelance gigs that can be completed remotely or locally you are free to keep working. Your time is your own, and while we hope you’ll spend much of it working on your master project, we do not require that you submit a finished work at the end of the residency, nor do we require you to perform any work during your residency related to the award. This is an unguided residency.
I Wasn’t Born a Woman But I Identify As One. Am I eligible?
Yes. The writing contest is open to those who were born women as well as non-binary and/or trans individuals who self-identify as “women.” Applicants must, however, be 40 or older at the time of application.
MORE ON GRANT & AWARD ELIGIBILITY
Do I Have to Write Anything After I Win the Award?
We hope you will write a lot during your residency, but there is no obligation that you produce a master work or other written product. You are free to write on any project you wish during your time in residence. If you produce work that you’re proud of, we’d love to see it. We’ll even help you promote it by linking up to your site and sending out press and social media alerts on your behalf. We do ask that you sign a press release when you win so we may use your photo and bio and/or work samples to announce your good fortune to the world.
If I Win the Grand Prize and Can’t Attend the House Residency Can I Keep the Cash Part of the Prize?
YES, in 2021, due to COVID and unpredictable travel restrictions, if you win the GRAND PRIZE residency but cannot attend the residency you may still receive the grand cash prize ($1000). The First and Second Runner Up Prizes are cash only. They involve no residency.
If I Fly Into Indianapolis, Indiana How Will I Get to Bedford?
You can take public transportation or rent a car or call an Uber from the airport.
Is There a Garage If I Drive My Own Car?
No garage is available BUT there is ample, free, lighted street parking. Most residents street park as the neighborhood is well-lit and quite safe.
Is the Daisy Pettles Writer’s House Available for Private Rental?
Yes. The Daisy Pettles House is available as a furnished rental any month or period it is not occupied by an award winner or writer in residence.
The house has two bedrooms and one full bath and one half-bath. There is a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. One regular sleeping futon in the writing nook can easily accommodate another adult. For private rentals the house can sleep 3-4 adults at one time.
In 2021, the fully furnished house is available for weekly or monthly rentals at an anticipated rate of $600 (6 nights) or $1,700 per month (a small deep-cleaning COVID fee will also apply). Email cindy@daisypettleswritingcontest.com for booking details.
