Frequently Asked Questions

When is your next submission window? August, 2027 for residencies in 2028.

Is your annual residency contest only for LGBTQ+ writers? No. We are open to ALL poets & fiction writers. We do celebrate LGBTQ+ poets by making at least two rainbow selections from our contests finalists. So, one winner from each genre (again, open to all) and then—from the same contest—at least two LGBTQ+ awards. That’s four residencies awarded from one contest.

If I am a prizewinner, how soon do I have to book my residency? Immediately upon notification of winning; in fact, it’s the first thing we ask of the prizewinners (& LGBTQ+ awardees), so have dates in mind (for the following summer). Each residency starts on a Friday and ends the following Saturday.

Is there an LGBTQ+ award for the fiction category? Not at this time. The LGBTQ+ poetry awards are only possible because of a local, private donation.

What months do you host writers? May, June, July, August, September. Winners of the contest will choose from within this time frame (same window for the LGBTQ+ poetry awards). Each residency starts on a Friday and ends the following Saturday.

Can I bring my child? No.

Can I bring a pet? No.

Can I make multiple submissions in the same genre? Yes.

Can I submit work in both genres? Yes.

If I’ve been a residents in the past, can I still submit to the contest? Yes.

How are the LGBTQ+ poets selected? These are Director-discretionary and taken from the the poetry genre contest finalists who, in their email cover letters, have identified as LGBTQ+. Poem quality is the main consideration.

What should I include in my cover letter? What you might work on during a visit; if you want to be considered for a LGBTQ+ poetry award (again, generally taken from the contest finalists). List your contact info and website if you have one. Brevity is a bonus.

What does 5% ‘Director-discretionary’ mean? This 5% means the Director (& Founder), Jeff Walt, invites people, for the most part, that he has partnered with in some way over his past thirty literary years (think important mentors, editors, publishers [e.g. Seven Kitchens Press, Gival Press]). Think of it as a direct invitation. Also, the LGBTQ+ poetry awards are Director-discretionary, BUT taken from the poetry genre finalists.

How many contest submissions do you get? 100+

How many finalists, generally, do you get from one contest? In 2024, we had fifteen poetry finalists and five fiction finalists. From the poetry finalists, we gave three LGBTQ+ poetry awards to those poets who identified themselves as LGBTQ+ in their cover letters. In 2025, we had sixteen poetry finalists and seven fiction finalists; from the poetry finalists, we gave four LGBTQ+ poetry awards.

Who started the program and why? Jeff Walt, a seasoned resident who wanted to create a visiting writer program that is not fifty miles into the woods down a dirt road with an ant infestation and pull-out bed. Here, a television, reliable wi-fi, a comfy bed, a stocked fridge, so that each resident can jump right into their work.

Is there any shared space in the house? The writer’s studio is part of the house, but completely separate and private.

Can I invite my husband/wife/familiar? If this person is a calming presence for you and helps you get the work done just by being in proximity then, of course, yes. Best to state that intent up front in your cover letter.

What is expected of the writers during their stay? We don’t watch the visiting writers nor judge what they do—each person has been completely different—so the onus of work & ethic is upon the artist. And we ask for two things: an author photo with our “Poet’s Path” sign & a twenty to thirty word enthusiasm—both for our website. While in residence, some folks have completed entire chabooks based on the desert; finished chapters of a memoir; revised a third of a poetry manuscript; and someone finessed her novel for publication.

Do I need a car? Yes, you will need a car in Honolulu.

Might I get bored? Most of the visiting writers have been diligent in their practice. If you bring a solid work ethic and a desire to explore the desert then a week could fill up quickly. You might even feel busy.

Do you make money from the contest? Yes—and we funnel that back into advertising and food for the visiting writers.

Are you a literary non-profit? No.

Do you have first readers? Yes.

Do you pay your judges? Yes, we gift them a weeklong stay, so they can sample the goods.

How do I get in?The Desert Rat Poetry & Fiction Prize.

Aside from housing is there a food credit? What am I responsible for? We provide a well-stocked fridge and pantry items. Visiting Writers are responsible for their own transportation. .

I have questions that are not answered here? jeffwalt@rocketmail.com