Applications for the 2027 Nance Adult Writer-in-Residence Program will open on October 15, 2026.
Please check back for the link to the application portal.

John E. Nance Adult Writer-in-Residence Program

Thurber House has a long tradition of hosting writers-in-residence since the 1980s. The John E. Nance Adult Writer-in-Residence Program was created in 2012 by community leader and philanthropist Sally Crane Cox. The residency honors Sally’s late husband, John E. Nance, who was a critically acclaimed photojournalist, author, and Associated Press Bureau Chief in Manila, Philippines.

The Nance Adult Writer-in-Residence Program is designed to provide writers of adult literature with the gift of time and space to focus on current or new writing projects. Residents stay for two weeks in the fully furnished apartment on the third floor of Thurber House, the historic family home of humor writer and cartoonist James Thurber, and receive a $5,000 stipend. During their stay, residents are expected to participate in one or two Thurber House programs, such as workshops, author talks, or community outreach opportunities.

Each year, two Nance residencies are offered:

Established Writer Residency
Emerging Writer Residency (for a current or former Ohio resident)

Keep reading for more information about each residency and how to apply.

2026 Nance Adult Writers-in-Residence

2026 Established Writer-in-Residence
Liza Monroy

After getting her start in the storied William Morris Agency mailroom, Liza Monroy left the business side of creativity to pursue her calling as a writer.

Liza’s books include the novels The Distractions and Mexican High, the memoir The Marriage Act: The Risk I Took To Keep My Best Friend In America And What It Taught Us About Love, and Seeing As Your Shoes Are Soon To Be On Fire, a collection of personal essays based on one of the “most popular, provocative, and unforgettable” columns for The New York Times’ “Modern Love” column and a voicemail from an ex.

Liza’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, O (Oprah Magazine), Poets & Writers, Marie Claire, Longreads, Newsweek, Guernica, Catamaran, The Village Voice, Everyday With Rachael Ray, Jane, Self, Psychology Today, Jezebel, Publishers Weekly, Bust, and many other publications and anthologies, including The New York Times’ Best of Modern Love, Goodbye To All That: Writers on Loving and Leaving New York, Oprah’s Little Book of Calm and Comfort, Best American Food Writing, One Big Happy Family, and the forthcoming Surfer Stories.

Liza was the inaugural John E. Nance Writer-in-Residence at Thurber House in 2012 and is thrilled to return. She has also been writer-in-residence at the Jack Kerouac Project of Orlando and The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska. During Liza’s residency in November 2026, she will lead a writing workshop on personal essay/memoir.

2026 Emerging Writer-in-Residence
Claudia Owusu

Claudia Owusu is a Ghana girl through and through. As a writer and filmmaker, her work divulges the nuance of Black girlhood through a personal and collective lens.

Claudia’s writing is featured or is forthcoming in Vogue Magazine, Prairie Schooner, The Offing Mag, Chestnut Review, Ninth Letter, Bellingham Review, Clockhouse, Quiz & Quill Literary Magazine, 20.35 African Contemporary Poetry, and elsewhere. Her films have screened internationally at Aesthetica, the New York African Film Festival, Urbanworld, Blackstar Fest, and Ohio Shorts Film Festival.

Claudia is the author of the chapbook, In These Bones I am Shifting, from Akashic Books. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from The Ohio State University. Claudia has received support and fellowships from the Blue Mountain Center and the Greater Columbus Art Council. In 2025, she was honored with the Walter Rumsey Marvin Grant from the Ohioana Library Association.

The John E. Nance Writer-in-Residence Program at Thurber House is a full-circle moment for Claudia, who grew up attending Thurber House workshops as a child. In 2021, Claudia was featured at a Thurber House Summer Literary Picnic. During her residency in February 2027, she will work with high school students in the Thurber House Young Writers’ Studio program.

Apply for a 2027 Nance Residency

Applications for the 2027 Nance Residencies will open on October 15, 2026. Please check back for the link to the application portal.

2027 Established Writer-in-Residence

Application deadline: January 17, 2027 at 11:59 pm ET

An established writer for the purpose of this residency is someone with at least three of the following characteristics:
1. At least two books/plays/graphic novels released by a traditional publisher over the course of their career OR (playwrights only) at least two plays performed on a national stage* over the course of their career OR (playwrights only) at least one book/play/graphic novel released by a traditional publisher over the course of their career and at least one play performed on a national stage* over the course of their career.
2. At least one book/play/graphic novel released by a traditional publisher within the last five years OR at least one play performed on a national* or regional** stage within the past seven years.
3. Publication in literary journals/magazines/newspapers/anthologies AND/OR participation in public readings of their work (such as author talks) AND/OR very vocal about their work (such as a Substack where they regularly share their writing).
4. Accolades/recognition of their work (winner or finalist in a writing competition, etc.).
The established writer is someone who can greatly benefit from the time and space that the Thurber House apartment provides to make headway on new work or work in progress, who can educate other writers/readers by sharing their writing knowledge/journey via participation in a program or event, etc.
*National stage = a theater located in New York City, London, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, Paris, or a similar major city and/or a nationally touring production.
**Regional stage = a theater/playhouse located in a small or mid-sized city/region or a theater/playhouse located in a major city (such as New York City, London, etc.) that is not considered a national stage (e.g. part of Broadway or the West End).
Established writers must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Writers of any genre and form are eligible (e.g. fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry, short-form, long-form, graphic novel, playwriting, etc)—as long as a significant portion of the writer’s work is not geared toward children. If you are solely a children’s writer, please consider applying for our Lawson Children’s Writer-in-Residence Program.
- Applicants must reside in a U.S. state/territory.
- Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
- Applicants must have had a book/play/graphic novel released by a traditional publisher within the last five years OR a play performed on a national* or regional** stage within the past seven years.
- Applicants must have at least one current work in progress (outlined, drafted, etc.).
*National stage = a theater located in New York City, London, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, Paris, or a similar major city and/or a nationally touring production.
**Regional stage = a theater/playhouse located in a small or mid-sized city/region or a theater/playhouse located in a major city (such as New York City, London, etc.) that is not considered a national stage (e.g. part of Broadway or the West End).
If you have any questions about whether you are eligible, contact us at thurberhouse@thurberhouse.org.
Be prepared to submit the following information in the application portal. You do not need to complete your application in one sitting; you may save your application in the portal and finish it later.
1) 200-500-word statement explaining why the applicant wants this residency and what they hope to accomplish during the residency
2) 100-300-word statement or resume outlining the applicant’s experience, accomplishments, and accolades
3) List of the applicant’s publications
4) Work samples:
- Writing samples must be at least 25 pages total and must not exceed 50 pages total
  - POETS must submit (at least five writing samples must be from the past five years):
    Ten poems from the same or different published books
    —OR—
    Five poems from the same or different published books AND five standalone poems that are not published in a book
  - PROSE WRITERS/PLAYWRIGHTS must submit (at least one writing sample must be from the past five years):
    Three prose pieces/chapters/excerpts from the same or different published books or plays
    —OR—
    Two prose pieces/chapters/excerpts from the same or different published books or plays AND one standalone prose piece that is not published in a book or play
  - GRAPHIC NOVELISTS must submit (at least one writing sample must be from the past five years):
    Three pieces/chapters/excerpts from the same or different published graphic novels
    —OR—
    Two pieces/chapters/excerpts from the same or different published graphic novels AND one standalone piece that is not published in a graphic novel
  - MULTI-GENRE/FORM: Writers who work in both poetry and prose, poetry and graphic novels, or prose and graphic novels must submit (at least 1/3 of your writing samples must be from the past five years):
    Four poems and two prose or graphic novel pieces/chapters/excerpts from the same or different books/plays/graphic novels
    —OR—
    Three short-form prose pieces
    —OR—
    Three prose or graphic novel pieces/chapters/excerpts from the same or different books/plays/graphic novels
5) Applicant’s contact information
6) Alternative contact (if applicable)
7) Checkboxes:
- Applicant agrees to the following:
  - Artificial intelligence: All submitted writing and graphic novel artwork is original and created solely by the writer/artist and without the use of artificial intelligence. I understand that any non-original work, including work manipulated or generated in any way by artificial intelligence, will be rejected.
  - Warranty and indemnity: I warrant that the submitted work is original and does not infringe on any third party’s rights. The writer/artist agrees to indemnity and hold harmless Thurber House and its authorized representatives from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from the breach of this warranty.
  - Participation: I agree to participate in one or two Thurber House workshops, writing groups, events, and/or community outreach opportunities during my residency.
  - Honorarium and expenses: If I am awarded a residency, I understand that the honorarium provided by Thurber House is intended to be used for expenses involved in participating in the residency (including travel and meals). No additional stipend will be provided by Thurber House to cover residency-related expenses (including travel and meals).
  - Travel arrangements: I understand that the residency takes place in Columbus, Ohio, and that I am responsible for making all travel arrangements.
  - Accessibility: I understand that the residency takes place in an apartment on the third floor of the historic Thurber House, which is only accessible via two flights of stairs.
  - Image/likeness: I grant permission to Thurber House and its authorized representatives—including but not limited to its employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, trustees, directors, successors, assigns, and other parties/representatives who are authorized to act on behalf of Thurber House—to use and exhibit my name and/or likeness, image, photographs, audio recordings, quotes, and any and all recordings of myself produced in conjunction with the residency for purposes related to the residency and/or Thurber House, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised. This usage includes but is not limited to recording, broadcast, and live stream elements; promotion; and advertising materials. I expressly release Thurber House and Thurber House authorized representatives from all claims which I have or may have for invasion of privacy, defamation, or any other cause of action arising out of production, duplication, broadcast, or exhibition of any appearance.
  - General release of liability: I expressly release Thurber House and its authorized representatives—including but not limited to its employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, trustees, directors, successors, assigns, and other parties/representatives who are authorized to act on behalf of Thurber House—from any and all liability for claims, damages, or expenses related to plagiarism, pirating, artificial intelligence engineering, invasion of privacy, defamation, damages, losses, or any other cause related to the writer's/artist's interactions, relationship, or engagement with Thurber House and Thurber House authorized representatives and/or related to the writer’s/artist’s application for and participation in a Thurber House residency. Under no circumstances will Thurber House or Thurber House authorized representatives be held liable or financially responsible for any damage or loss to the writer/artist.
What is the application window? Applications are accepted from September/October through mid-January each year.
When will I learn if I’m selected as a resident? We will notify you in March or April.
When does the residency take place? The residency takes place over two weeks in September, October, November, December, January, or February, depending on the applicant’s availability and Thurber House programming. For example, a 2050 Nance Resident might complete their residency any time between September 2050 and February 2051.
Is there a cost to apply? There is a $20 fee to submit an application.
I’m interested in a residency, but I don’t exactly meet the criteria for “established” or “emerging.” Contact us at thurberhouse@thurberhouse.org to discuss.
I’m not a current or former Ohio resident. Am I eligible for the established writer residency? The established writer residency is not limited to Ohioans. The resident can hail from anywhere, as long as they are a current resident of a U.S. state/territory.
What amenities does the apartment have? The apartment has Wi-Fi and is furnished with a living room, full kitchen (sink, mini-refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, tea kettle, stove, oven, dishes/cutlery, etc.), full bathroom with walk-in shower, and two bedrooms. A bike is available for resident use. Thurber House is a short walk from the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Topiary Park, various restaurants/fast food, and other attractions. Free parking is available 24/7.

APPLICATION COMING SOON

2027 Emerging Writer-in-Residence

Application deadline: January 17, 2027 at 11:59 pm ET

An emerging writer for the purpose of this residency is someone with one or more of the following characteristics:
1. Published in literary journals/magazines/newspapers/anthologies
2. Their play has been performed on a local* or regional** stage
3. They’ve self-published a book or graphic novel
4. Participated in public readings of their work (like the Columbus Arts Festival's Word Is Art Stage or bookstore events)
5. Very vocal about their work (such as a Substack with a growing following where they regularly share their writing)
6. Received accolades/recognition of their work (e.g. winner or finalist in a writing competition, etc.)
Emerging writers may have a book released by a traditional publisher (typically a small press), but often, they do not have a published book or have been exclusively self-published.
The emerging writer is someone who can greatly benefit from the time and space that the Thurber House apartment provides to take the next step in their writing journey, make headway on new work or work in progress, etc.
*Local stage = a theater/playhouse located in a small city, town, or unincorporated area that is limited to a local reach.
**Regional stage = a theater/playhouse located in a small or mid-sized city/region or a theater/playhouse located in a major city (such as New York City, London, etc.) that is not considered a national stage (e.g. part of Broadway or the West End).
Emerging writers must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Writers of any genre and form are eligible (e.g. fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry, short-form, long-form, graphic novel, playwriting, etc)—as long as a significant portion of the writer’s work is not geared toward children. If you are solely a children’s writer, please consider applying for our Lawson Children’s Writer-in-Residence Program.
- Applicants must currently reside in or be born/raised in Ohio (if you were not born/raised in Ohio but you’ve spent a significant amount of time in Ohio, please contact us for a possible exception to this requirement).
- Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
- Applicants must have at least one current work in progress (outlined, drafted, etc.).
1) 200-500-word statement explaining why the applicant wants this residency and what they hope to accomplish during the residency
2) 100-300-word statement or resume outlining the applicant’s experience, accomplishments, and accolades
3) List of the applicant’s publications (if any)
4) Work samples:
- Writing samples must be at least 25 pages total and must not exceed 50 pages total
  - POETS must submit (at least five writing samples must be from the past five years):
    Ten poems
  - PROSE WRITERS/PLAYWRIGHTS must submit (at least one writing sample must be from the past five years):
    Three prose pieces/chapters/excerpts (published or unpublished)
  - GRAPHIC NOVELISTS must submit (at least one writing sample must be from the past five years):
    Three pieces/chapters/excerpts (published or unpublished)
  - MULTI-GENRE/FORM: Writers who work in both poetry and prose, poetry and graphic novels, or prose and graphic novels must submit (at least 1/3 of your writing samples must be from the past five years):
    Four poems and two prose pieces/chapters/excerpts (from published or unpublished books/plays/graphic novels)
    —OR—
    Three prose pieces/chapters/excerpts (from published or unpublished books/plays/graphic novels)
5) Applicant’s contact information
6) Alternative contact (if applicable)
7) Checkboxes:
- Applicant agrees to the following:
  - Artificial intelligence: All submitted writing and graphic novel artwork is original and created solely by the writer/artist and without the use of artificial intelligence. I understand that any non-original work, including work manipulated or generated in any way by artificial intelligence, will be rejected.
  - Warranty and indemnity: I warrant that the submitted work is original and does not infringe on any third party’s rights. The writer/artist agrees to indemnity and hold harmless Thurber House and its authorized representatives from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from the breach of this warranty.
  - Participation: I agree to participate in one or two Thurber House workshops, writing groups, events, and/or community outreach opportunities during my residency.
  - Honorarium and expenses: If I am awarded a residency, I understand that the honorarium provided by Thurber House is intended to be used for expenses involved in participating in the residency (including travel and meals). No additional stipend will be provided by Thurber House to cover residency-related expenses (including travel and meals).
  - Travel arrangements: I understand that the residency takes place in Columbus, Ohio, and that I am responsible for making all travel arrangements.
  - Accessibility: I understand that the residency takes place in an apartment on the third floor of the historic Thurber House, which is only accessible via two flights of stairs.
  - Image/likeness: I grant permission to Thurber House and its authorized representatives—including but not limited to its employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, trustees, directors, successors, assigns, and other parties/representatives who are authorized to act on behalf of Thurber House—to use and exhibit my name and/or likeness, image, photographs, audio recordings, quotes, and any and all recordings of myself produced in conjunction with the residency for purposes related to the residency and/or Thurber House, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised. This usage includes but is not limited to recording, broadcast, and live stream elements; promotion; and advertising materials. I expressly release Thurber House and Thurber House authorized representatives from all claims which I have or may have for invasion of privacy, defamation, or any other cause of action arising out of production, duplication, broadcast, or exhibition of any appearance.
  - General release of liability: I expressly release Thurber House and its authorized representatives—including but not limited to its employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, trustees, directors, successors, assigns, and other parties/representatives who are authorized to act on behalf of Thurber House—from any and all liability for claims, damages, or expenses related to plagiarism, pirating, artificial intelligence engineering, invasion of privacy, defamation, damages, losses, or any other cause related to the writer's/artist's interactions, relationship, or engagement with Thurber House and Thurber House authorized representatives and/or related to the writer’s/artist’s application for and participation in a Thurber House residency. Under no circumstances will Thurber House or Thurber House authorized representatives be held liable or financially responsible for any damage or loss to the writer/artist.
What is the application window? Applications are accepted from September/October through mid-January each year.
When will I learn if I’m selected as a resident? We will notify you in March or April.
When does the residency take place? The residency takes place over two weeks in September, October, November, December, January, or February, depending on the applicant’s availability and Thurber House programming. For example, a 2050 Nance Resident might complete their residency any time between September 2050 and February 2051.
Is there a cost to apply? There is a $20 fee to submit an application.
I’m interested in a residency, but I don’t exactly meet the criteria for “established” or “emerging.” Contact us at thurberhouse@thurberhouse.org to discuss.
I’m not a current or former Ohio resident. Am I eligible for the emerging writer residency? Emerging writer applicants must currently reside in or be born/raised in Ohio. If you were not born/raised in Ohio but you’ve spent a significant amount of time in Ohio, please contact us for a possible exception to this requirement.
What amenities does the apartment have? The apartment has Wi-Fi and is furnished with a living room, full kitchen (sink, mini-refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, tea kettle, stove, oven, dishes/cutlery, etc.), full bathroom with walk-in shower, and two bedrooms. A bike is available for resident use. Thurber House is a short walk from the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Topiary Park, various restaurants/fast food, and other attractions. Free parking is available 24/7.