Self-Directed Residency
Self-Directed Residencies (one or two weeks in length) are open to Nova Scotian, Canadian, and international writers. Applicants may apply as solo writers or in creative groups of two or three (for separate bedrooms) or four or five (with shared bedrooms). Successful applicants are provided with at-cost residence: CAD$550 per week + CAD$110 per week for each additional creative resident.
Self-Directed Residency applications are assessed by WFNS staff, with results returned within two weeks of the application deadline. Upon confirming dates for a Self-Directed Residency, the resident(s) must pay a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total residency cost, with the balance due 30 days before the residency start date. All fees support the continued operation of the Jampolis Cottage Residency Program.
All residencies begin on Sunday afternoon (at 2 pm) and end on Saturday afternoon (at 1 pm). A one-week residency runs 7 days and 6 nights, while a two-week residency runs 14 days and 13 nights.
Our selection process prioritizes group applications, which are open to groups of writers working on separate literary projects; to groups that include some non-literary artists and non-literary projects; and to groups working on collaborative projects that include literary elements. Group residencies are over 8 times likelier to be selected for a residency week than solo-writer applications.
Organizing a group residency can also significantly reduce the cost for each resident—from a CAD$550/week total for a solo writer down to CAD$198/week total for each of five creative residents. There is no additional charge for personal attendants, service animals, or dependants or domestic pets who require care.
To be considered for a Self-Directed Residency, the applicant(s) must meet the following criteria.
- You must be 19 years of age of older by the current application deadline.
- You must propose a literary project, be part of a group that includes a writer proposing a literary project, or be part of a group proposing a collaborative project that includes literary elements.
- You must not have already accepted or undertaken any Sponsored Residency or Self-Directed Residency at Jampolis Cottage, whether as a solo writer or as part of a group, during the same calendar year as the week(s) for which you are applying.
Our selection process prioritizes successful group applications (including two to five residents). When applying on behalf of a group for a Self-Directed Residency, please familiarize yourself with the below accommodation capacities, restrictions on mixed-use and collaborative residencies, and group application specifications.
Jampolis Cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including one bedroom and one bathroom on the ground floor. In a group of five, two residents would need to share the upstairs Blomidon Room (sharing its queen bed or sleeping in the queen bed and on the provided rollaway cot) and two residents would need to share the upstairs Cowslip Room (sleeping in the queen bed and on the single daybed). The ground-floor Thomas Raddall Room is single-occupancy and (upon the completion of accessibility renovations) will be the only physically accessible bedroom for users of wheelchairs, scooters, and most other mobility aids. This accommodation capacity is an important consideration should any residents be accompanied by personal attendants, service animals, or dependants or domestic pets who require care.
A group application may include non-literary artists or non-literary projects. However, the group must include at least one writer who will be working on a literary project during the proposed Self-Directed Residency. If the group will be working collaboratively on a single project, that project must include literary elements. Regardless of project discipline, all artistic materials used must be low-impact, suitable for use within a shared domestic space and for clean-up by the writers/artists without damage to Jampolis Cottage, its fixtures, or its furniture.
A group application must be submitted by a single member of the group, who must compile one CV/resume per applicant and one letter of intent per applicant into a single document (see the tab “3. Application Package” for details) and must submit that single document using a single application form and paying a single application fee.
Self-Directed Residency application packages must contain all components listed below. Each application package must be submitted as a single digital document (in .doc or .pdf format) with a file name as follows: FirstName LastName – Self-Directed Residency (where “FirstName” is your given name and “LastName” is your family name or chosen surname). Incomplete, late, non-digital, or misnamed application packages are ineligible.
A. Literary or creative CV/resume of 1 to 2 pages in length per applicant (single-spaced; in 12-pt Times New Roman or Arial font).
- Applicants may include relevant education (degrees, literary workshops, mentorships, etc.); publications & accomplishments (awards, previous residencies, etc.); public presentation experience (readings, performances, panels, exhibitions, etc.); and teaching/instruction experience.
- Applicants who are new or emerging writers may submit a 1-page CV supplemented by a 1-page letter of support from a more established writer or literary mentor.
B. Letter of intent of 1 page in length per applicant (single-spaced; in 12-pt Times New Roman or Arial font).
- All applicants should describe the project(s) to be worked on; the goals to be accomplished; and a detailed work plan for the residency period.
If you require assistance in completing or submitting a Self-Directed Residency application (whether technical, accessibility-related, or otherwise), please contact communications@writers.ns.ca before the application deadline.
When new available weeks are announced, Self-Directed Residency applications will open for a period of at least one week. All applicants will be notified of results within two weeks of the application deadline.
As described below, our selection process both prioritizes group applications and includes random selection. This departure from the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia’s standard peer-assessment model substantially reduces application fees and wait times for results while also reflecting our efforts to share Jampolis Cottage with as many writers as possible each year.
- Application packages are assessed by Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia staff and deemed eligible or ineligible, with eligible applications divided into two pools: group applications, and solo-writer applications. Applications are not otherwise ranked.
- For each available week, a recipient is randomly selected from the pool of eligible group applications declaring interest in that week. Larger groups (e.g., of four or five) are not prioritized over smaller groups (e.g., of two or three).
- If no group applications declare interest in an available week, a recipient is randomly selected from the pool of eligible solo-writer applications declaring interest in that week.
All random selection is performed by a true random number generator (see random.org). For additional details or clarification, please contact communications@writers.ns.ca.
Upon offer of a Self-Directed Residency, selected applicants have one week to confirm dates and pay a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total residency fee. The balance of the fee is due 30 days before the residency begins.
The fee table below is effective for all residencies from Jan 1, 2025, onward.
| Per week at Jampolis Cottage | 1 resident* | 2 residents* | 3 residents* | 4 residents* | 5 residents* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total fee | $550.00 | $660.00 ($330.00 per resident) | $770.00 ($256.66 per resident) | $880.00 ($220.00 per resident) | $990.00 ($198.00 per resident) |
| Deposit (single payment preferred) | $137.50 | $165.00 ($82.50 per resident) | $192.50 ($64.16 per resident) | $220.00 ($55.00 per resident) | $247.50 ($49.50 per resident) |
| Balance (multiple payments welcome) | $412.50 | $495.00 ($247.50 per resident) | $577.50 ($192.50 per resident) | $660.00 ($165.00 per resident) | $742.50 ($148.50 per resident) |
* There is no charge for essential companions, including caregivers, family members requiring care, personal attendants, and service animals—but please consider them with respect to the sleeping capacity of Jampolis Cottage.
* Consider making a tax-deductible pet cleaning donation ($50 recommended) if one or more pets will be staying overnight during your residency.
Applications are accepted only through the form at the bottom of this page. Please note that completing the application form is the final step in our recommended application checklist:
☐ Ensure your eligibility.
☐ Ensure your application package is complete and correct. In the event of an error, please contact our office to explain the issue before submitting a revised application package.
☐ Pay the $10 Self-Directed Residency application fee. This fee cannot be refunded, including in cases of incomplete, ineligible, unsuccessful, or unselected applications. Self-directed Residency applications are free for WFNS members; if you are a member in good standing (even if applying on behalf of a group that includes non-members), please skip payment altogether. WFNS General Membership is open to anyone who writes, regardless of writing experience or place of residence.
To pay fee by phone, call us between 9am and 4pm on weekdays at 902 423 8116 with your credit card details.
To pay fee by mail, send a cheque (payable to “Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia”) post-dated for no later than the application deadline.
☐ Complete and submit the online application form, visible at the bottom of this page when applications are being accepted. After clicking the “Submit application” button, please wait until the green confirmation message appears (confirming that your form has been successfully submitted) before exiting this page.
Applications will open on or before Apr 10 and close Apr 17, 2025
For Self-Directed Residencies to be undertaken June through early December, 2025
Applications open for the following weeks:
January 5 through May 24, 2025
Applications for the above dates will be accepted until 11:59pm (Atlantic) on October 24.
Applications for late May through early December, 2025, will open on or before April 3, 2025, and close on April 10.
