2010 Macondo Workshop Applications

Eligibility
 As an association of socially-engaged writers working to advance creativity, foster generosity, and serve community, the Macondo Foundation seeks generous and compassionate professional writers who view their work and talents as part of a larger task of community-building, working for social justice and non-violent social change. Writers who are applying should be working on creative writing and be open to the possibility of participating in a mixed genre workshop setting.

Applicants must fulfill at least TWO of the following requirements:
  • Published one or more books of poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction or a screenplay.
  • Published at least three (3) poems, stories, or works of creative nonfiction in journals, magazines or newspapers.
  • Have at least two productions of a screenplay.
  • Be currently enrolled in or have completed an MFA writing workshop.
  • Completed a book-length manuscript of creative fiction or creative non-fiction that is scheduled to be published.
  • Studied under at least three different writers.
Application Submission
 Complete the online application form. Note: The application process is now closed.
  • A 10-page creative writing sample that is double spaced, in 12 pt. Times New Roman font and has one-inch margins. Do not exceed 10 pages.
  • A 500-800 word essay describing how you use your writing as a service to community. How does your writing transform or nurture community? What kinds of social justice issues do you address inside your writing work? Also, speak about how you think you will be able to give back to the Macondo writing community.
  • A current C.V. that lists all relevant professional experience, publications and community involvement and service.
  • Two letters of recommendation that speak about the applicant’s community involvement and service.
Only complete applications accompanied by the application fee will be considered. Applications can only be submitted online. If you have a disability and need to submit your application by mail, please e-mail applications@macondofoundation.org to make arrangements.

Jan. 29, 2010 is the deadline to receive all applications and application fees. Late applications will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed by a reading committee made up of Macondo members. Committee members recuse themselves from scoring an applicant that they have recommended or if they have a conflict of interest in regard to the applicant. Eight applicants will be selected to participate in the 2010 Macondo Writers' Workshop.

Compassionate Code of Conduct
 All Macondo members voluntarily subscribe to a Compassionate Code of Conduct. We do this because we are consciously creating a community where all members are mindful and treat one another with respect and consideration. We ask people who are considering applying to the workshop to carefully consider and agree to abide by this code of conduct while they participate in Macondo activities.

Application Fee
 All applications must include a $50 non-refundable application fee. Only money orders and credit cards are accepted. Money orders should be made out to the Macondo Foundation.

About the Macondo Workshop
 Our annual Macondo Writers’ Workshop is an exceptionally unique summer gathering of writers working on geographic, cultural, economic, social and spiritual borders. Begun in 1998 by writer Sandra Cisneros and named after the town in Gabriel García Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the week-long workshop transforms San Antonio, Texas-and more broadly, La Frontera-into a space of intense artistic and cultural creativity. Every summer, the Macondo Workshop meets from the last Sunday in July through the first Sunday in August at the Our Lady of the Lake University campus in San Antonio.

The Macondo Writers’ Workshop is a master’s level workshop, meaning that participants are expected to be committed and well-seasoned writers capable of reviewing each other’s work with compassionate rigor and vision. Workshops are divided into two categories:
  • The Famosa/o Workshops These workshops are led by different guest writers each year. Application requirements and workshop structure vary from year to year based on the guest writers' preferences and workshop logistics.
  • The Infamosa/o Workshops These workshops are designed around a particular topic or literary genre.
Generally, afternoons are spent in workshop and evenings are devoted to readings and lectures or forums regarding various artistic, political, and spiritual issues related to writing. In addition, there are several events planned throughout the week to provide participants with many opportunities for quality social interaction.

What to Expect if I’m Accepted?
 Eight first-year applicants will be accepted to participate in the 2010 Macondo Writers’ Workshop. When you are accepted it is not simply a one-time event, but rather you are joining a community of professional writers united by a commitment to social justice and giving back to their community.

As a member you able to benefit from different Macondo programming which includes:
  • Participating in the annual Macondo Writers’ Workshop
  • Attending guest seminars
  • Leading a writing workshop during Macondo Writers’ Workshop
  • Member rates to stay at the Casa Azul
  • Eligibility for a paid residency at the Casa Azul
  • Eligibility for awards the foundation gives annually
  • Invitations for paid readings and performances
  • Being connected to a community of likeminded professional writers who advocate for social justice and who help one another
You will be notified of your acceptance into the Macondo Writers’ Workshop 2010 in early April.

Once you are notified you will be given a username and password to access the “Member Login” section of the website where you can look at the different workshop offerings. We strongly recommend that you do this right away so you have enough time to prepare your manuscript for the workshop you would like to participate in before registration opens.

Workshop registration for all members opens on April 23. Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Workshops are limited to eight participants. Usually a total of 50 to 60 members attend the Macondo Writers’ Workshop week.

The workshop week will be held July 25-31, 2010. We will accommodate members who want to come July 24 to have a Saturday stay-over.

There is a $100 non-refundable registration fee.

Members are also responsible for securing their own room and board and transportation. Our Lady of the Lake University offers furnished dorm rooms at a discounted rate to Macondo members. These rooms are equipped with internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. Many members buy food and snacks to eat several meals on campus. A week-long stay is approximately $250, this rate is an estimate and subject to change.

A cab ride from the airport to campus is $30 or less. Many times you can carpool with other participants to events and other off campus outings, however, Macondo does not offer transportation at this time. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own transport.

What if I am Not Accepted?
 The application process is extremely competitive and we usually have to turn away many dedicated and qualified writers. We accept only eight participants each year in an effort to keep the workshops small and make sure that participants get quality review time during the workshops. If you don’t make it in on your first try, please don’t feel discouraged. You are welcome to apply again. It is not uncommon that qualified applicants to apply two or three times before being accepted.