Writers like to think of themselves as innovative.
Well, here's a pretty innovative idea.
A group of Detroit writers and urban activists have launched a nonprofit called "Write-A-House" that will award Detroit homes to writers based on the quality of their writing. Writers from around the world are eligible to apply.
The group issued a press release describing it as a "writer's in residence program where the writer gets to keep the residence, forever."
The group said the goal of the program is to bring more energy, activity and attention to the literary arts in Detroit. The group also hopes to help improve neighborhoods.
The organization has partnered with Detroit Young Builders, a nonprofit that teaches contracting skills to youths.
“Detroit has an amazing arts scene. Our musical heritage is legendary, worldwide. And the visual arts have MOCAD, the DAC, and the College for Creative Studies, not to mention all the downtown galleries, but the literary arts haven’t really seen the same energy and growth.” Toby Barlow, one of the founders and author of two recent novels, says in a statement.
“I moved to Detroit in 2011 because there were compelling stories that I felt no one else was telling in the way I wanted," Sarah F. Cox, founding editor of Curbed Detroit and a founding board member of Write-A-House. “In the past three years, I've seen incredible progress, but there is still so much room for more in the literary arts. This is a city with unique, historic, and fascinating stuff happening. We think there are writers who will want to come and be a part of it.”
Under the program, writers will have to live in the home for two years. They'll lease the home at a low cost that covers taxes and insurance. After that, if the writer chooses to stay, they'll get the deed to the house.
"We didn't want to create an atmosphere where people are being encouraged to flip homes," Francis Grunow, a founding board member, said in a press release.
Writers who qualify must be considered "low income."
The application process begins in the spring. Writers will be required to send writing samples along with a statement discussing their interest in the program. Judges will icnluding former National Poet Laureate Billy Collins and poet Major Jackson.
The group has just launched a fundraising campaign on indiegogo to renovate the first house.
For more information, go to; writeahouse.org. Questions can be sent to Kat Hartman: kat.a.hartman@gmail.com.
