FAQ
What are VONA Workshops?
VONA offers summer week-long programs and shorter intensives and talks throughout the year. Typical week-long programs include workshops in fiction, poetry, memoir, political content, travel writing, and tv/screenwriting. Intensives and talks focus on approaches to craft and practicalities like understanding publishing.
What do you mean by “writers of color?”
Race is a social construct and as such the definition is often changed in order to serve the dominant culture. VONA broadly defines “of color” as being predominantly not from a European background/white, though colonialism and the legacies of slavery can complicate this definition. If you aren’t sure if you qualify as a writer of color, feel free to contact us.
What are the requirements to apply to summer programs?
Complete and submit application through our Submittable portal during the open period. Once accepted, writers will be able to enroll in ONE workshop; however, all are encouraged to apply for first and second choices.
ALUMS, please note: The limitation of 3 workshops maximum in the same genre or topic has been eliminated.
When will I be notified of my application status?
Participants are notified of their acceptance within two months.
Are there payment plans available?
There is an installment payment plan available. All tuition fees must be paid by June 8th.
Are there scholarships available?
There are a limited number of need-based partial scholarships. See application for details.