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Rose

Writing Residency applications invited

By Tom Larsen

This second novel from bestselling author Amor Towles‚ A Gentleman in Moscow — relates the history of Russia from the beginning of the twentieth century to the 1950s, from Stalin to Khruschev, through the experiences of the fictional Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov.

He begins his life of wealth and ease in 1899, near St. Petersburg. Orphaned in his early teens, he and his sister Helena are taken in by their father’s friend, Grand Duke Demidov, who sees to their education. After a few years living in Paris, the count returns to Moscow and takes up residence at the luxurious Hotel Metropol.

Following the Bolshevik Revolution, the count is tried by a tribunal as a “parasite” and sentenced to life under house arrest. Expelled from his lavish suite of rooms, he is given servant quarters on the sixth floor. The only reason he is allowed to stay at the Metropol is that he once penned a poem in praise of the revolution. Rostov settles into a comfortable existence. He befriends an eclectic group of people, including a seamstress, a Russian chef, a French maître d’, a poet, an actress, an orchestra conductor, a prince, a former army colonel, and an American diplomat. Most intriguing of his friends is Nina, an inquisitive nine-year-old girl. Years later, Nina shows up with a small daughter of her own. Fearing for her life, she leaves her daughter Sofia with the count and never returns. Despite not being allowed to leave the Metropol, Rostov stays true to his promise to Nina, and raises the girl, with the help of his friends.

Towles writes in the grand tradition of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Gogol, but with ample humor to offset the darkness of Russian life.

•••

Now in its fifth year, a residency sponsored jointly by Writer’s Guild of Astoria and Astoria Visual Arts affords both established and emerging writers the time, space, and solitude needed to work uninterrupted on a project of their choosing.

One selected writer-in-residence will spend a week in meaningful pursuit of creative work — time and space in an idyllic setting to make substantial progress on a significant writing project. Writers of novels, short stories, nonfiction, plays, memoir, poetry, screenplays, and hybrid manuscripts will be considered.

The week of the residency will be determined by the program hosts and chosen writer. Lodging and a stipend of $250 are provided. A reception and public reading will be held at the end of the residency at

Mt. St. Helens Gifts

the Astoria Visual Arts Gallery. Residents are expected to arrange for their round-trip transportation and meals.

HOW TO APPLY Applications must be received by April 30, 2023. Applications consist of 1) a one-page cover letter describing your experience and interests as a writer, your connection with the Pacific Northwest, and what you hope to accomplish during your residency; 2) a one-page description of your writing project, its scope, and current state; 3) a five-page writing sample, and 4) a resume or CV, including any publications, if applicable.

Email complete application packet to: info@thewritersguild.org.

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J. Maas, Bloomsbury Publishing, $19

2. Daisy Jones & The Six Taylor Jenkins Reid, Ballantine, $17

3. Sea of Tranquility Emily St. John Mandel, Vintage, $17

4. Legends & Lattes Travis Baldree, Tor, $17.99

5. Circe Madeline Miller, Back Bay, $16.99

6. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Taylor Jenkins Reid, Washington Square Press, $17

7. The Song of Achilles Madeline Miller, Ecco, $17.99

8. The Lincoln Highway Amor Towles, Penguin, $19

9. The Candy House Jennifer Egan, Scribner, $17.99

10. The Maid Nita Prose, Ballantine, $18