6 writers will share a five room late 19th century classic New Orleans shotgun home for the duration of the residency. Each writer will share a room with two others during their stay. Your bed will have three drawers set in the base for organization purposes. There’s a single shared bathroom, a writing room equipped with antique desks from different periods, a library with a sofa and fireplace for socialization, a yoga/meditation room, a small shared kitchen, and a deck for enjoying the occasional warm afternoon that New Orleans has even in January. Continental breakfast will be provided in the dining room on the other side of the shotgun double from 9am to 11am six days a week as will brunch on Sunday.
Will I have access to a kitchen?
A small fully equipped kitchen is located in the back of the residence and will be shared by all writers and available for food preparation and storage. Due to the close proximity of the women’s bedroom, we ask that writers limit their use of the kitchen to between the hours of 8am and 10pm.
Is the house wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the home and the current laws governing alterations on historic properties in New Orleans wheelchair access is currently not available. There are 5 shallow steps leading up to the entrance of the residency and no wheelchair ramps. The narrowest doorway has a 30 inch width with most doorways being approximately 33 inches. The bathrooms are also on the small side. If you have physical limitations and are interested in attending the residency please contact us directly and we will work together to come up with a viable solution.
I have food allergies; can you accommodate me for the opening dinner?
If you have any serious food allergies that you would like us to be aware of please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to the opening event and we will do everything we can to accommodate you. This is especially critical if cross contact may be an issue. If you are a vegetarian or have other food restrictions the 2 weeks notice also applies. I will likely try to create an alternative menu option that covers all food limitations that I have been previously informed of.
Are meals included?
A continental breakfast will be included and will likely consist of a variety of fresh baked goods cereals, and fresh fruits. A welcome dinner is also included, and there may be other impromptu dinners and food events provided as well. In general, however you will be responsible for providing you’re lunch and dinner unless otherwise informed at the time.
What if I can’t stay for the whole time?
If you have other commitments and can’t stay for the entire duration of the residency, contact us and we’ll let you know whether or not you should apply.
Do you accept international applications?
We accept writers from all nationalities. Our only restriction is the $350 stipend on airfare if your ticket is more than that, you’ll have to cover the difference.
I can’t make this residency! Will there be more?
Yes! We are currently holding one residency per year. Exact dates are TBD, but probably about a year from our last one.
How far are you from the French Quarter?
We are conveniently located a 15 minute walk from the French Quarter. In addition, we are located less than a block from Frenchmen Street, one of the oldest historic arteries of New Orleans’ thriving jazz and blues scene.
Is there access to public transit?
There is a street car located on St. Claude, an approximately 5 minute walk from the residence. The Streetcar can take you to most areas of interest you may want to visit around New Orleans. Any area that can not be reached by streetcar can likely be reached by transferring from the streetcar to a bus via the bus mall on Canal Street, or by catching the bus from the stops Claiborne Ave or Elysian fields, both less than five minutes walk from the residency.
How much is it to use the New Orleans Streetcar?
The streetcars and buses alike costs $1.50 for a one way transfer ticket, or $3.00 for a 24 hour pass.
What should I do while I’m in New Orleans?
New Orleans is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the United States, and as such has almost unlimited points of interest depending on your tastes.
Check out our New Orleans page for details on the city’s literary past.
If you’re interested in art and history there are plenty of galleries and museums in the french quarter and beyond, both with and without entrance fees. The Old Mint is just ten minutes’ walk down Frenchmen on Decatur, for example, and is a free museum that hosts events. A few minutes past that, you can find plenty of museums surrounding Jackson Square and nearby.
If antiques are more your thing, Royal Street in the French Quarter and Magazine Street (easily accessible via streetcar) are both famous for their antique stores.
If food is what you’re after, the unique cuisine of New Orleans is world famous, melding Cajun, Creole, and Soul Food to create the most comprehensive original food culture anywhere in the United States. Melba’s, Coop’s Place, Verdi Mart, and Cajun Seafood are all within close walking distance and provide solid late night options. There are also traditional haven’s like The Commanders Palace and Dooky Chase where you can experience the food in an historically significant atmosphere.
If you only have a few dollars to spend you can sit down for beignets and New Orlean’s signature chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde or Morning Call, both open 24 hours a day.
If religion is what moves you, New Orleans remains the only place in North America that embraces the Voodoo religion. There are several shops on Decatur and elsewhere selling gris-gris bags and the like, the tomb of Marie Laveau the voodoo queen of New Orleans is a common stop, or you can visit The Voodoo Museum in the French Quarter run by one of New Orleans many active voodoo practitioners.Because of its long history New Orleans is also touted as one of the most haunted cities in America and runs dozens if not hundreds of Ghost tours where you can learn about the many contenders for most haunted (or twisted) locale from the Lalaurie Mansion to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (also incidentally the oldest building that is also a bar in America).
Bourbon is for the 24 hour party crowd with local drink inventions such as the Hurricane and the Sazerac and 24 hour Daiquiri joints can be found almost everywhere. There are also more laid-back and storied drinking establishments like Napoleon House and the Sazerac Bar for those who just want to settle in with a drink and talk.
New Orleans boasts a number of beautiful parks and green spaces, including the Washington Square park right down Frenchmen from the residency (often home to street performers practicing for their nights busking in the quarter), the Lafitte Greenway, Louis Armstrong Park, and, a little further away, the beautiful sprawling City Park, a 1,300 acre green space in the center of New Orleans, home to beautiful bayous, 400-year-old grandfather oak trees, the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. If that’s not enough from you, there are numerous tour operators offering swamp tours in the bayous outside of New Orleans, running tours every day.
Frenchmen is for music. The Garden District and the French Quarter are for the architecturally driven. The French Market will scratch the shopping itch. All of it will inspire.
…. and the list goes on and on. Chances are you’ll find places that you’ll end up telling us about.