TWO 2025 Writer Unboxed UnConference Scholarships: How to Apply

Hello fellow writers!

I have received emails from Writer Unboxed for many years. To find out more about Writer UnBoxed visit https://writerunboxed.com

I've talked about the importance of attending writing conferences and here's an opportunity you don't want you to miss!

Writer Unboxed is offering two scholarships to their UnConference in the fall. October 26th–30th in Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you’d love to attend but finances stand in your way–especially if you could truly benefit from the craft and community focus of UnCon–this may be the opportunity for you. Below are the names of the two scholarships and how to apply.

The Spirit of Susan DeFreitas Scholarship

Susan DeFreitas was a force–a revered author, teacher, and advocate who burned bright for story here at WU and beyond. She brought her full spirit to everything she did, especially in service of helping other writers grow, and believed deeply in the power of words to connect and challenge us.

This scholarship is for a writer who is passionately engaged in learning their craft and shaping stories that matter. We especially welcome applicants who strive to empower others through story, and/or who carry a sense of purpose into their work.

The Spirit of Susan DeFreitas Scholarship includes:

• full admission to the UnConference

• a financial stipend (minimum $800)

• a special gift

The Spirit of Jan O’Hara Scholarship

Jan O’Hara was a force as well, but of a quieter nature—steady, wise, nurturing, and unfailingly kind. She was the type of person who often helped others from the shadows; her care was for the individual, not the public. A physician-turned-novelist, she entered our community through an “unpublished writer” contest 15 years ago, and stayed to become a beloved contributor and friend to many of us here at WU. Yet her story is one of perseverance and eventual publication—a testament to what can happen when a long-tended flame is given the air it needs.

This scholarship is for a writer who has long put others first—through caregiving, career, or other community obligations and offerings—but who now feels ready to move their own work to the front burner.

The Spirit of Jan O’Hara Scholarship includes:

• full admission to the UnConference

• a financial stipend (minimum $800)

• a gift certificate for a massage at our host hotel, the Inn & Spa at Loretto—an act of restoration for someone who has long restored others

What is the process?

If applying for The Spirit of Susan DeFreitas Scholarship, please send the following materials to UnConferenceScholarship@WriterUnboxed.com with the subject line: 2025 Spirit of Susan DeFreitas Scholarship:

• A response to the question:

  
  

  “How does your love of learning and your passion for storytelling shape your work and your goals?”

  
  

  (300 words or less, in the body of your email)

• A response to the question:

  
  

  “How does your writing journey intersect with community? In what ways have you contributed to—or been shaped by—a writing community?”

  
  

  (250 words or less, in the body of your email)

• A Word document or PDF attachment showing five consecutive pages of your fiction manuscript-in-progress

  
  

If applying for The Spirit of Jan O’Hara Scholarship, please send the following materials to UnConferenceScholarship@WriterUnboxed.com with the subject line: 2025 Spirit of Jan O’Hara Scholarship:

• A response to the question:

  
  

  “What is it about your dream that has allowed it to persevere within you despite life’s challenges? Why is now the time to rekindle your dreams?”

  
  

  (300 words or less, in the body of your email)

• A response to the question:

  
  

  “How does your writing journey intersect with community? In what ways have you contributed to—or been shaped by—a writing community?”

  
  

  (250 words or less, in the body of your email)

• A Word document or PDF attachment showing five consecutive pages of your fiction manuscript-in-progress

  
  

What is the deadline?

The application deadline for this scholarship is in two weeks: Friday, June  27th.

Important Additional Details

• You may apply for only one scholarship. Please choose the one that resonates most with your history, and be sure to indicate which you’re applying for when you submit via the subject line. If you send two, we will accept only the first.

• You must be available to attend the 2025 Writer Unboxed UnConference, October 26th–30th, in Santa Fe, NM. Stipends are only available to writers attending the event and will be presented to recipients on night one in Santa Fe.

• The exact amount of each stipend will be determined once registration closes, but each will be no less than $800.

• Scholarship materials are judged blind.

• The use of AI is not permitted. We want to hear your voice.

Do your homework! Visit the site, review what they're about, and see if going to the conference is a fit for you. I would love to hear from anyone who applies. And if you win! I wish you the best.