As we work through the third round of the adjudication process for next year’s residencies, I am reminded of how important women’s stories are and how difficult it is for women to find the time and space to tell them. Each writing sample has its own spark and every woman has a compelling reason to find sanctuary for her work at Storyknife. How I wish we could host them all.
For those that do come, the experience can be life-changing. Grace Anderson, an April 2022 writer residence, writes, “My time at Storyknife Writers Retreat was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. I was met with such intentionality and from the start which allowed me to really focus on my writing and ideation process. Offering opportunities like this to women writers in such a beautiful setting is such a gift and I hope that so many more people get the opportunity to experience this.”
I’m posting this a few days before “Giving Tuesday,” but please know that I am grateful for the Storyknife community every day. YOU create Storyknife. When you donate, you place the flowers by the beds for the writers’ first night, you put the wild-caught salmon in the kitchen for Maura to prepare, you turn on the light on the desk so a woman writer can work late into the night, and you put the fuzzy blanket on the bed so she dream her way further into her project.
We are 70% of the way toward reaching our challenge grant goal of $50,000. That’s right, $15,000 left to raise to unlock a match of $50,000. So this upcoming Tuesday, or whenever you decide on your annual giving, open your heart to Storyknife. You can help put us over the finish line by the end of the year.
And to those who have already given, thank you so much. What seemed like an impossibility in October is now an attainable goal because of you. Because you agree that women’s voices are important and need to be nurtured, that women deserve the time and space to devote to their work. Thank you.
You can donate electronically through the encrypted form on our website.
If you prefer to donate by check, please send your donation to Storyknife, PO BOX 75, Homer, AK 99603.
Remember, you can help reach that goal of the $50,000 challenge grant! Double your support by giving now.
take care and stay safe,
Erin
Executive Director of Storyknife
Storyknife Writers Retreat 