THE PHILLY FICTIONISTS

an open notebook and pen, a cup of tea.

This Leeway grant-funded retreat aims to foster lasting connections between 10-12 Philly-area trans fiction writers. Participants will each receive $100 honoraria, as well as free meals and snacks during the retreat.

The retreat will take place in-person on January 10, 2026, from 9:00am to 7:30pm in West Philadelphia. The venue is wheelchair-accessible and transit-accessible. For safety reasons, the exact location will only be shared with those selected to participate. Participants' names will not be announced publicly or published without explicit consent.

After the retreat, all participants will be invited to contribute to a zine-style fiction anthology, which will be distributed freely online and submitted to local archives. Participants will also be invited to stay in touch with the cohort via Discord.

The application will be open 11/17 through 12/1. It will ask some basic eligibility and demographic questions, as well as questions about your interest in the opportunity and your writing practice. It will also require a 1-5 page fiction writing sample.

THE DETAILS

TIMELINE

  • 11/17/25: Applications open

  • 12/1/25: Applications close

  • 12/17/25: Selected participants contacted no later than this date.

  • 1/10/26: Retreat day!

WHEN AND WHERE

This daylong retreat will take place in-person on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, from 9:00am – 7:30pm. It will be in West Philadelphia at a wheelchair-accessible and transit-accessible venue. COVID tests are required, masks are optional.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This event is for 10-12 Philadelphia-area trans adults who write fiction. All genres of fiction are welcome. All types of trans people are welcome. All ages (18+) are welcome.

WHO IS THIS NOT FOR?

Trans is a self-defined category. However, if you aren’t 100% sure that you’re trans, this is not the retreat for you.

As a reminder, this is a generative writing retreat, not a gender support group.

I am not qualified to provide mental health support. If you haven’t come out yet, or if you’re in a place of persistent despair or anguish about your gender identity, please seek support before applying to this retreat: If you’re local, try William Way, the Mazzoni Center, or Galaei.

ITINERARY

We’ll spend most of the day writing. This itinerary is subject to change:

9-10am: Breakfast, meet & greet

10am-12:30pm: Writing/reflection time

12:30-1:30pm: Optional discussion

1:30-2:30pm: Lunch

2:30-5:30pm: Writing/reflection time

5:30-6:30pm: Optional sharing circle

6:30-7:30pm: Dinner, goodbyes

JUDGING CRITERIA

I’m looking for writers who are demonstrably committed to their craft, able to engage in good faith with a diverse cohort, and reflective of the broad spectrum of trans life. No previous publishing experience or formal literary education is required.

COST

There is no cost to apply or participate. All meals will be paid for by the grant. Participants will be paid $100 at the end of the event. Reimbursement for public transit (roundtrip) is available.

PRIVACY

For safety reasons, the exact location of the retreat will only be shared with those selected to participate. Out of respect for those who may be stealth, participants' names will not be announced publicly or published without explicit consent.

YOUR HOST

Julian Shendelman is a transsexual novelist and organizer based in Delaware County, PA. When he’s not co-directing Blue Stoop, or hosting Sit & Write, he’s working on a novel about haunted houses, capitalism, and queer community. Learn more at www.shendelman.com

Questions?

Email collectivelitgroup@gmail.com