Call for Applications for the International Writing Program (IWP) at the University of Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2008

The United States Embassy is pleased to announce that the International Writing Program (IWP) at the University of Iowa is beginning recruitment for the 2008 three-month residency that begins in August.

The focus of the program will be to examine current trends in literature (including fiction, drama, poetry and screen writing) in the U.S.A. and worldwide and to explore the creative process involved in writing. The Embassy will nominate Bulgarian writers who seek financial support for attendance at IWP.

Fiction writers, dramatists, and screenplay writers are eligible. Literary translators and writers whose publications and careers focus on nonfiction (journalism, cultural commentary, biography, and memoirs) may also be nominated.

Candidates must be comfortable with cross-cultural dynamics and interested in close interaction with other artists from a multiplicity of diverse cultures. They should have at least one published volume of work, or works that have appeared in significant publications over a period of at least two years. Nominees must be fluent in English.  They will spend three months in residency at the University of Iowa in Iowa City and participate in literary and creative writing programming. They will have a chance to develop their writing skills, share knowledge and techniques, and work with translators to help their countries’ literary works reach a wider audience. A variety of field trips will be planned along with 10 days of individual travel within the U.S.A. at the conclusion of the program.

Candidates should email to Public Affairs Sofia their CV and 10-15 page writing sample in English or English translation by March 28 at the address pdbulgaria@gmail.com with Iowa for subject, and call Ogniana Ivanova at (02) 937-51-55 to confirm.  Selected nominees will be notified of the further details.