Call for Applications: Oxbelly Fiction Retreat Internship at the University of Georgia

Humanities students are invited to apply for an Oxbelly Fiction Retreat internship which will allow them to review the work of some of the most talented contemporary aspiring writers in the world.

Students accepted for this internship will help review applications for the 2025 Oxbelly Fiction Retreat. Interns will join a selection of reviewers from all over the world to review applications from Feb 15^th to March 16^th. In the first stage, UGA interns will be asked to review between 40-60 applications each, depending on the volume of applications received for the first stage. Interns will also join the reviewing for the second stage, where the batch of applications will be no more than 25 applications, with a screening time between March 17 – 30.

The application review will entail reading two rounds of applications, which usually include:

1. A one-page Writers Statement

2. A 500-word bio

3. Fiction sample of no more than 5000 words

*Students participating in the internship will receive a small monetary award granted through the Willson Center.

*Students participating in the internship are expected to enroll in FCID 4100: Humanities Internship Course, with Professor Lasek-White, which will include four in-person meetings on 1/8, 2/19, 3/19, and 4/16 from 8-11:10 a.m. in 135 LeConte Hall during Spring 2024, along with the work done for the internship. For questions about the course, contact Professor Lasek-White 

To Apply: 

Please submit a one-page cover letter stating why you are interested in the internship and how it would benefit you. The letter should cover your interest in reading fiction and close-reading experience. Also attach a resume along with your application. To apply for the internship, please send your materials to John Kuligowski with the subject line INTERNSHIP APPLICATION. Applications will close on December 4th.

Information on the Oxbelly Fiction Retreat

The Fiction Writers program of the Oxbelly Retreat brings together writers from around the world for a week of literary and creative exchange, held at Costa Navarino in historic Messinia, Greece. The Fiction Writers program will support ten emerging fiction writers committed to elevating their craft, strengthening their literary voice, and contributing to intercultural dialogues around storytelling. Fellows will engage in workshops and craft sessions led by advisors and guests who are themselves established and acclaimed writers and industry leaders, followed by unstructured time to write in the serene and transformative environment the Messinian scenic landscape. Oxbelly aims to make a career in writing accessible by ensuring the Writers Retreat has no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered. Oxbelly, a Greek nonprofit, founded by producer Christos V. Konstantakopoulos, holds an annual gathering of international storytellers, dedicated to the exchange of ideas, deepening of craft and broadening of artistic horizons through intercultural dialogue. Each year, the gathering is built around distinct, innovative programs for storytellers working in different mediums. In 2024, the Oxbelly Retreat will support fellows working in film, television, and literature to workshop their writing with both advisors and peers and to engage in dialogue across mediums through the interdisciplinary evening sessions. Each program is led by established writers in their respective fields. In 2024, the Screenwriters program was led by Nicole Perlman, Episodic Writers program was led by Joerg Winger and the Fiction Writers program led by Chigozie Obioma. Past Oxbelly Advisors include Maren Ade, Paul Thomas Anderson, Willem Dafoe, Dee Rees, Barry Jenkins, Mati Diop, Michael Almereyda, Nick Kroll, Lulu Wang, Sue Naegle, Fiammetta Rocco, Rebecca Makkai and Bill Clegg among others.