The Singapore-based literary agency, Jacaranda, has teamed up with Sangam House, an international writers’ residency program located in India, to offer writers a unique experience in Nairobi, Kenya.

Writers will be invited to apply for a four week home stay in Nairobi in February 2014, at the residence of Jacaranda’s founding partner, Jayapriya Vasudevan.

Places will be available for two writers in residence at the same time, one will be a Sangam House alumnus selected by Sangam House and one will be selected by Jacaranda.

“Almost as soon as I relocated to this beautiful country and started to get to know the local writing community here, I knew that I wanted to share it with other writers,” said Jayapriya Vasudevan. “Hosting writers in my home is really just an extension of what we do at Jacaranda, bringing creative people together and helping to mentor them.  I am very excited that Sangam House, of which I have long been an admirer, has helped me to make this possible.”

Since 2008, Sangam House has been bringing together writers from across the world to live and work among their peers in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.

About the Home Stay

In a house filled with books and book-lovers, each writer will have their own bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and separate designated work space. They will be able to enjoy the small but lovely garden filled with humming birds.  All meals will be provided – the house is vegetarian.

While the day is unscheduled, each night, dinner will be with the family – Jayapriya and Harish and their fourteen year old daughter, Miel.  Once a week, Jayapriya will organize an informal meeting with local writers and publishers.   Resident writers may be invited to give a reading and talk about their work on some of these occasions.

“A view of tall trees, a verdant lawn and ivy-covered walls. Books spill out of shelves in every room. Relaxed, languid pace of life that encourages and inspires writing. Delicious meals, wonderful conversation and infinite cups of coffee.  What more can a writer ask for?” said Samhita Arni, writer and a recent guest.

How to Apply:

Applicants should send their applications (a statement of the work to be undertaken at the home stay as well as recent writing samples) to books@jacaranda-press.com. 

*Please note that selected applicants will have to cover their own airfare to and from Nairobi as well as all personal expenses during their time in residence.  Also, there is a dog in the family – Jojo!