The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators has launched a new 'Reading List' program, which will offer two lists per year featuring works from the organization's published authors and artists. The residency can take place any time between September 2016 and December 2016 (extenuating circumstances may allow the residency through spring 2017). Applicants should submit a cover letter (200-300 words), résumé, description of the project and a 1,000-word writing sample to Applications are due by June 20. The residency sponsorship will be offered annually through 2020. Nonetheless, all writers of fiction are encouraged to apply. Preference will also be given to writers who have previously published a book or have a literary agent or contract for their book. The residency is open to any author working on a work of fiction, with preference given to either a California writer or an author working on a book that takes place in California. As if this isn't attractive enough, the resident writers will stay in the Zen Suite, with a balcony looking down on the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains and, in the distance, Monterey Bay, and a rear exit toward a grove of redwoods. The residency provides a room and evening meals the writer can also participate in Wellstone offerings, including weekly yoga and open mic night, and will receive a consultation session with Bookshop Santa Cruz buyers to discuss the market for their project. The residency, located at the Wellstone Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is run by Sarah Ringler and author Steve Kettmann.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Calif., is partnering with the Wellstone Center in the Redwoods to offer a sponsored, two-week writing residency.

On the Flip Side by Nicholas Fisk