Today's Read Contributor Nashville, TN — May 20, 2025 — Renowned novelist and bookstore owner Ann Patchett has announced the launch of an innovative writer residency program at her independent bookstore, Parnassus Books, in Nashville. The initiative, which begins this September, is designed to nurture emerging voices in fiction and nonfiction by offering them time, space, and mentorship to develop their craft.
A Literary Haven for New Voices
The new residency program provides a month-long stay for selected writers, complete with housing, a living stipend, and direct mentorship from Patchett. The initiative is tailored for authors in the early stages of their careers who show both literary promise and a commitment to community engagement.
The inaugural residency cohort will focus on writers working in fiction and narrative nonfiction. Applicants are evaluated based on the quality of their work and their interest in contributing to literary culture through public readings, workshops, or other forms of community participation.
“This is my way of paying forward the support I once received,” Patchett said in a statement. “I know how vital mentorship and time to write can be. This residency is meant to give that same gift to the next generation of storytellers.”
Supporting Writers and Community
The program reflects Patchett’s longstanding dedication to both literary excellence and civic involvement. As co-owner of Parnassus Books since 2011, she has worked tirelessly to promote reading and foster a sense of literary community in Nashville. The store has become a beloved local institution and a model for the viability of independent bookstores nationwide.
In addition to offering writers a supportive environment to work, the residency encourages public engagement. Participants will be invited to host readings, lead discussions, or collaborate with Nashville-based schools and nonprofits. Patchett emphasizes that the goal is not only to support writers but also to enrich the broader community through literature.
Building a Legacy of Literary Mentorship
Patchett, whose bestselling novels include Bel Canto, Commonwealth, and The Dutch House, has long championed writers at all stages of their careers. Her essays and public appearances often underscore the importance of storytelling, artistic discipline, and the sustaining power of bookstores. With this residency, she formalizes her role as a mentor, offering not only her experience but also tangible resources to emerging authors.
This residency arrives at a moment when opportunities for early-career writers can be difficult to secure. Rising costs of living, shrinking arts funding, and the competitive nature of publishing have made it harder for new voices to break through. Patchett’s initiative aims to counterbalance those challenges by providing both financial support and meaningful literary guidance.
Anticipation Builds for the First Cohort
The first residency will run for one month starting in September 2025. Applications are now open, and the response from the literary community has been enthusiastic. Writers selected for the program will receive private accommodations in Nashville, a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, and regular meetings with Patchett for feedback and mentorship.
Literary organizations and fellow authors have praised the initiative as a significant step toward making the literary world more accessible and equitable. “Residencies like this can change a writer’s life,” said novelist Tayari Jones. “Ann’s generosity and leadership are exactly what the literary community needs.”
Patchett has indicated that, depending on the success of the inaugural program, the residency may expand in the future to include multiple cycles per year or additional genres, such as poetry or children’s literature.
