Dobie Paisano Writer's Retreat

Paisano Ranch was the country retreat of J. Frank Dobie until his death in 1964. Today it serves as a writer's retreat. The Univeristy of Texas at Austin administers this fellowship program.

Information for Applicants - At the time of application, you must meet one of the following requirements: (1) be a native Texan, (2) have resided in Texas at least three years at some time, or (3) have published work with a Texas subject. Those who meet requirement 1 or 2 do not have to meet the Texas subject matter restriction.

Mail entries must be postmarked on or before January 30.

An application fee of $10.00 must accompany the entry. Please make checks or money orders payable to: The University of Texas at Austin.

Entries must be submitted on the form, "Application for Fellowship at Paisano 2004-2005." 

In general entries should be limited to no more than 50 manuscript pages. Published work can be longer than 50 pages, say a novel or collection of short stories. The sample of writing submitted should reflect your best work and be indicative of the type of writing you would pursue at Paisano. You need to submit an example of the kind of writing you are proposing to do and not merely an idea for a book or piece of writing. Applicants may submit supporting material on electronic media; however, judges are not obligated to view them. Be sure to keep a copy of all work submitted.

Among criteria on which judges make the awards: quality of work, character of the proposed project, and suitability of the applicant to life at Paisano. The fellowship is designed as an opportunity for writers who can demonstrate exceptional writing ability and a clear idea of a project to be pursued within the time frame.

Two half-year fellowships are awarded. The first period of residence will begin September 1; the second, March 1.

Each fellowship carries a living allowance of $2,000 per month during the residence.

The house is simply but adequately furnished. Fellows need provide no more than personal linens and such belongings as they choose. No financial assistance is provided for moving in or out of the ranch. The University of Texas at Austin provides utilities (except for long-distance telephone) and maintenance. Fellows may use their own computer service provider or establish a computer account through the Graduate School for a small monthly fee.