The Usawa Writing Residency will take place from 3 to 8 October at Turiya Villa in Goa, bringing together a cohort of 12 early-career writers for an intensive six-day residential programme focused on fiction and non-fiction writing. Organised by Usawa Literary Review, the residency is open to writers developing a sustained body of work and seeking dedicated time, mentorship and community engagement to strengthen their practice.
A Space for Focused Writing
Designed for writers working on prose projects, the residency aims to provide an environment away from everyday responsibilities, allowing participants to focus on their craft. The programme combines workshops, guided writing exercises and one-on-one editorial sessions intended to support writers at different stages of their creative journey.
Writing is often a solitary activity, and the residency seeks to create opportunities for discussion, reflection and peer learning. Participants will be encouraged to examine their writing goals while engaging with fellow writers and publishing professionals.
Programme Structure
The six-day residency will be structured around three core components:
- Craft workshops led by writers, editors and publishing professionals
- Guided writing exercises exploring voice, form and perspective
- Individual mentorship and editorial feedback sessions
Participants will receive direct feedback on selected pieces of writing, helping them refine their work and better understand the path from draft to publication.
Opening Conversation with Smita Sahay
The residency will begin with a reflective session led by Smita Sahay, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Usawa Literary Review. During the opening conversation, participants will introduce themselves and discuss their writing journeys, motivations and aspirations.
Usawa Literary Review, founded in 2018 by Smita Sahay and Lavanya Shanbhogue-Arvind, is a Mumbai-based feminist literary magazine that publishes fiction, poetry, non-fiction, translations and criticism, with a focus on underrepresented voices. The publication has also expanded its activities through workshops, podcasts and literary initiatives over the years.
Literary and Publishing Professionals
The residency will feature sessions from a range of writers, academics and publishing professionals.
Speakers and Mentors
- Arpita Das, founder-publisher of Yoda Press
- Dr. Rupleena Bose, author of Summer of Then
- Kavita Kabeer, writer and content creator
- Smita Sahay, Editor-in-Chief of Usawa Literary Review
- Sumana Roy, author and professor
- Hemali Sodhi, founder of A Suitable Agency
Arpita Das is widely known as the founder of independent publishing house Yoda Press, established in 2004, and has also been involved in writing and publishing education through academic and literary institutions.
Venue in South Goa
The residency will be hosted at Turiya Villa, a restored Indo-Portuguese heritage property located in Canacona, South Goa. The venue is known for its heritage architecture and tranquil setting, offering participants a residential environment suited to reading, writing and discussion.
The organisers have chosen a small cohort model, allowing for focused interaction between participants and mentors throughout the programme.
Application Details
Applications are currently open and the residency welcomes writers from diverse backgrounds who are working on fiction or non-fiction projects.
Key Information
- Dates: 3–8 October
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
- Venue: Turiya Villa, Goa
- Participants: 12 writers
- Open to: Early-career prose writers
- Genres: Fiction and non-fiction
Applications can be submitted through the official registration form:
https://docs.google.com/forms
Building Literary Community
As literary residencies continue to gain importance in India’s cultural landscape, programmes such as the Usawa Writing Residency provide emerging writers with opportunities for mentorship, professional guidance and meaningful engagement with peers. By bringing together authors, editors and publishing professionals in a residential setting, the initiative seeks to support the development of new writing while fostering a stronger literary community. The residency also reflects the growing interest in creating dedicated spaces where writers can explore ideas, refine manuscripts and participate in conversations about contemporary literature and publishing.
