W.Write International Writers’ Camp, Novi Sad, Serbia, 19–25 April 2027

Key dates and contacts

• Application deadline: 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET
• Selection results announced: 15 February 2027
• Camp: 19–25 April 2027: five working days and two travel days, Novi Sad, Serbia
• Working language: English - active working proficiency required
• Questions and access requests: wwritecalls@gmail.com

All applicants will be informed of the outcome by the stated notification date.

An invitation to write, connect and be heard

Are you a woman writer looking to develop your professional skills, exchange ideas with peers from across Europe, and build new connections in the literary world?

Would you like to explore different ways of publishing and presenting your work, learn about opportunities available to writers, and take part in conversations about literature and the conditions in which women write?

W.Write invites applications for a five-day international writers’ camp in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The camp brings together practical learning, facilitated creative exercises, peer exchange, and professional networking, alongside conversations about gender equality, visibility, and the conditions under which women write and publish. It is a collaborative learning programme rather than a writing residency offering extended periods of independent writing time. We welcome women writers at different stages of their careers, from those developing their voice to established authors seeking new perspectives, connections, and opportunities.

The camp and what to expect

Hosted in Novi Sad, Serbia, from 19 to 25 April 2027, the camp will include five program days from 20 to 24 April, with 19 April reserved for arrival and 25 April for departure. The exact venue in Novi Sad is currently being finalized. The camp will accommodate a total of 40 people, including 20 participating writers, accompanying children, family members, and other accompanying persons. The program will combine workshops, discussions, peer exchange, readings, and related creative exercises with mentoring, professional and skill development, and opportunities to connect with Novi Sad’s literary and cultural scene. The detailed program will be shared with selected participants once it is finalized, but it will certainly include:

• Conversations and panel discussions on women’s writing, representation, gender equality, and the position of women writers in national and international literary contexts.
• Practical workshops on developing and sustaining a writing practice, exploring opportunities for writers to access support for their work, including literary residencies, mobility programs, grants, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Participants will be introduced to relevant networks, resources, and platforms, with practical guidance on where to find opportunities and how to apply.
• Workshops on publishing and professional development, covering pitching literary projects, working with publishers, learning about entrepreneurship in the publishing field, reaching readers, and exploring different pathways to publication.
• Exploration of alternative ways to produce, publish, and present literature, including digital platforms, e-books, literary podcasts, and other innovative formats.
• Readings and peer exchange, providing opportunities to share work in progress, receive constructive feedback, exchange experiences, and discover different literary perspectives.
• Study and cultural visits to relevant local venues, organizations, and initiatives, alongside networking opportunities with writers, artists, editors, and cultural professionals based in Serbia.
• Opportunities to attend selected cultural and literary events taking place during the camp.
• A tailor-made program for accompanied children, offering age-appropriate creative and cultural activities.

Facilitators and creative professionals

Sessions will be led by invited facilitators and creative professionals from the fields of literature, publishing, and journalism, supported by the local hosting team. The program will allow for both structured learning and informal conversations.

The camp is hosted by the Student Cultural Centre Novi Sad (SKCNS), a cultural institution working with artists and audiences through interdisciplinary programs, contemporary artistic production, and international collaboration. SKCNS will connect participants with the city’s local literary and cultural landscape.

SKCNS works closely with the Alliance of Feminist Organizations “(Re)konekcija,” an association of women’s non-governmental groups dedicated to preserving, documenting, digitizing, and promoting feminist heritage while presenting contemporary women’s art, theory, and activism. The organisation’s representatives, Silvia Dražić and Vera Kopicl, are closely involved in the SKCNS team preparing the W.Write camp, contributing their experience in feminist cultural practice, literature and community engagement.

Through this collaboration, the hosting team will connect the camp with Novi Sad’s literary and feminist cultural networks, creating opportunities for dialogue between visiting writers and the local creative community.

Who can apply?

This open call welcomes adult women writers, including trans women and others who identify as women, at all stages of their literary careers. Applicants must be residents of a country participating fully in the Creative Europe Program. Writers working across a broad range of literary genres and forms are welcome; particular attention will be given to applicants whose participation may be restricted by caring responsibilities or other barriers.

An applicant must:

• Be an adult (18+).
• Have published at least one literary text in a book or a literary journal.
• Be resident in a country participating fully in the Creative Europe Program¹
• Be able to participate actively in English in workshops, group discussions, peer feedback, and informal exchange.
• Be able to attend the full duration of the writers’ camp, including all five program days.

Application requirements

Each application must include a literary sample, a motivational letter, and a bio/profile.

Each part of application will be judged based on these criteria

LITERARY SAMPLE

Originality, creativity, authenticity, fresh perspectives, and artistic potential of the submitted text. Previous publications, awards, or professional recognition will not be the sole indicators of the quality or potential of your work.

MOTIVATION

Persuasiveness, clarity, and coherence of the motivational letter (reasons for applying, alignment with camp goals, gender sensitivity, and a willingness to collaborate).

AUTHOR BIO & BACKGROUND

Creative potential, writing experience, and dedication to writing, as well as literary focus and direction. We welcome both emerging and established women writers from diverse geographical, cultural, and literary backgrounds. Applicants from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

Care and accesibility support

We recognize that caring responsibilities, as well as disability and other access needs can make international professional opportunities harder to attend. W.Write aims to make participation as accessible and care-friendly as possible. Applicants are welcome to contact the organizers confidentially to discuss the support they may need.

This may include arrangements for accompanying children or family members, or support for care responsibilities at home, such as care for a child, parent, partner, or another dependent.

Arrangements for accompanying children and age-appropriate activities during the camp will be discussed individually with selected participants.

Applicants may describe their accessibility or care-related requirements in the application form or contact the organizers directly. This information will not be used to assess the artistic quality of an application.

Specific arrangements and eligible costs will be agreed individually with selected participants, subject to the program’s available resources.

What is covered?

The organizers aim to reduce the practical and financial barriers to taking part. The arrangements below will be confirmed with selected participants and approved accompanying children, family members, or caregivers.

ACCOMODATION

MEALS

TRAVEL COSTS

For accompanying children or carers subject to the final eligibility and budget availability.

After the Camp: Further opportunities

Camp participants will have the opportunity to apply separately for a six-month W.Write scholarship and mentoring program following the camp.

This program will be open only to participants in the camp. Applying will be entirely optional and will not be a requirement for camp participation.

Further details about the scholarship and mentoring opportunity, including the application process and selection criteria, will be presented during the camp.

How to apply

Complete the online application form in English!

Please prepare:

• A short biography (maximum 1,000 characters).
• A statement of motivation (maximum 1,500 characters), explaining your interest in the camp and what you hope to develop or share.
• A bibliography – books and/or literary journals.

A sample of your writing (between three and five pages) in its original language, submitted as a Word document, together with an English translation of the same sample. The English translation is required to support a fair international assessment of applications.

The application form will also include a section where you can provide information about any accessibility, care-related, or accompanying-person needs.