It’s never been a better time to be a writer if you want to live in Detroit, MI. Toby Barlow, a novelist, founded the Write-A-House program in 2012 hoping to bring new life to the literary community of Detroit. They don’t want to just offer a room, they want to offer a whole house to writers who are willing to move to the town for at least two years. After the allotted time, the homes will actually be deeded to the writers.

Indiegogo to orchestrate advertising

Indiegogo will be handling the advertising campaign for these homes. Their webpage says, “It’s like a writer’s-in-residence program, but the writers get to keep the homes, forever.” Specifically, this project is targeting emerging writers so they have someplace to live comfortably while they begin their writing careers.

Renovations to be done by Young Detroit Builders

The homes will actually be renovations of existing houses in the area, which renovations will be taken care of by the members of Young Detroit Builders. This program is akin to the WAH program in that it gives young architects the chance to work on rehabilitating homes alongside experienced, licensed contractors. Three houses have already been purchased which the WAH said “are all within walking distance of one another in . . . neighborhoods that are ‘a rich quilt of culture and change.’” The three houses cost WAH just $2,000 and each renovation will be $50,000 to $60,000.

Applications open in 2014

The program is open to absolutely any writers anywhere in the world, just as long as they have a desire to live in Detroit. Indeigogo says, “We believe this is a city that could really use some more writers. Any and all writers who are looking for a new home and new inspiration are encouraged to apply.” The application portal will be open starting in March or April of 2014.

Indiegogo will be holding a fundraiser to help the project get started. They hope it will raise $25,000 in the next two months. Additional houses will be purchased in the future as they become available and more funds are raised for their renovation. Barlow said of Detroit, “Writers can take advantage of all the great stories and possibilities this city has to offer, and the affordable lifestyle. . . . With the internet you can stay in touch with what’s going on in New York and LA, and not have to pay those astronomical prices for housing.”

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Source:
publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/promotionalss/article/60433-organization-wants-to-lure-writers-to-detroit.html