Writers’ Residency at the Republican Children’s Library

Focus of the 2026 Residency: Short Prose

Application period: August 10 – September 10


A big story does not always need a long text. A story can begin with a single scene, a conversation, an observation, or a detail — and contain an entire world within it.

The Writers’ Residency of the Republican Children’s Library invites authors to spend October working on short prose: short stories, essays, and novellas. The residency focuses on participants’ own projects and the process of developing them — from an initial idea and first draft to editing and a revised version. The subject matter is open.

The residency is open to authors who are already working with text and want to develop their own project. We welcome participants with different levels of professional experience. What matters to us is not the number of publications or literary credentials, but a strong sense of text, a willingness to work, openness to feedback, and an interest in writing.


HOW RESIDENCY WORKS

The residency will take place in person in Tashkent from October 3 to 31, at the Republican Children’s Library.

The main sessions will be held on weekends so that participants can combine the residency with work or studies. Independent work will alternate with workshops, individual consultations, manuscript discussions, and meetings with authors and experts.

The working languages are Uzbek and Russian. The number of places is limited.


AREAS OF FOCUS

— Developing an idea and choosing the right form

— Plot and composition

— Authorial voice and style

— Working with a draft

— Editing

— Preparing a text for publication

— Working with a publisher

— Bringing a text to its readers


WHAT WE OFFER

— A dedicated space for writing

— Participation in group workshops

— Individual consultations

— Professional feedback on your project

— A public presentation of the residency results

— A certificate of participation

The residency will conclude with a final event where participants will present the texts they have worked on throughout the month.

Participation is free of charge and based on a selection process. The working languages are Uzbek and Russian. The number of places is limited.


HOW TO APPLY

To participate, you need to:

1. Complete the participant application form.

2. Tell us about the text or idea you would like to work on during the residency.

3. Attach a 5–10 page sample of your prose in Uzbek or Russian.

4. If available, include links to your publications, literary projects, or portfolio.