Fifty women writers spent two to four weeks at Storyknife this year, and we sure do miss each one of them! They came from as far away as Toronto, Ontario and as close as Haines, Alaska (which is not very close if you drive like Shannon did). 28% wrote fiction, 26% wrote creative non-fiction, 26% wrote poetry, and the remaining 20% was split evenly between children’s literature, screenwriting/plays, and academic writing. April’s cohort started with snowy walks and then we transitioned all the way to September and October’s writers who were treated to rain and fog. In between there was fireweed growing, blossoming, and blowing seed, moose in all their varieties, a porcupine, the neighbor’s tiny scrappy dogs, and sunsets galore.
The movie above is the 2025 writers in all their smiling glory (and sometimes rain gear). The Alums and Fellows page has been updated, so treat yourself to reading more about these wonderful writers and explore their websites!
Each year, foundations and individuals support fellowships for writers at Storyknife. Each fellowship is awarded based on the priorities of the sponsor. Please go to this page to learn more about the generous sponsors of these fellowships and travel funds. Storyknife is so grateful for their support.
The 2025 Fellows are:
The Aglauti Fellowship – Alisha Drabek
Alaska Native Art and Culture Writing Fellowship – Abigail Chabitnoy and Vera Starbard
Barbara G. Peters Fellowship – Caprice Gray
Evangeline Atwood Fellowship – Shannon Kelly Donahue
Fireweed Fellowship – Mary Leauna Christensen
Joan Perry Barnes Fellowship – Alisa Alering
Katahdin Fellowship – Ning Sullivan
Kenai Lake Fellowship – Latria Graham
Mary Ellen State Fellowship – Stephanie Brown
Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship – Asa Drake
Condor Travel Fund – Vanessa Mártir
Lucille Wilson Travel Fund – Kalilinoe Detwiler
Arliss Sturgulewski Travel Fund – Raksha Vasudevan
Philip A. Block Travel Fund – Clementine Bordeaux
Snow Goose Travel Fund – Renae Watchman
Soroptimist International of Anchorage Travel Fund – Lindsey Toya-Tosa
In the next few weeks, the final selections will be made for the 2026 Storyknife writers cohort. It has been a difficult and time-consuming process, but each round of adjudicators has expressed how impressed they’ve been with the quality of the work. If you’re waiting for your response, please know that it will go out before November 15.
Storyknife Writers Retreat 