If you are a serious-minded, committed writer with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of fictional craft, you should consider applying to become a Kimbilio Fellow.
Now in its 14th year, the KIMBILIO FELLOWSHIP supports new and emerging fiction writers from the African diaspora through craft talks, workshops with talented peer writers, and mentorship and community with over 200 past fellows. Kimbilio Fellows come from all walks of life, creating a vibrant fellowship experience. As one Fellow writes, "Kimbilio is a life changing experience. The opportunity to immerse yourself in a community of diverse writers from the black diaspora is unique, affirming and essential. The generosity of the faculty is outstanding. "
The 2026 Retreat will take place at WILDACRES in Little Switzerland, NC, August 10-16, 2026. Our esteemed faculty are Dana Johnson, Lesley Arimah, and Tricia Elam.
You are required to attend the entire retreat, arriving for a 5:30pm dinner meeting on the 10th and departing on the morning of the 16th, no later than noon. Tuition is covered by Kimbilio, and we provide transportation to and from Charlotte/Douglas Airport in North Carolina (CLT). Participants are responsible for their own transportation to North Carolina as well as a small fee that partially covers the costs for room and board with the amount varying by size of the chosen accommodation. A shared room (double occupancy) for the retreat week is $325.
The application process consists of:
- An essay of no more than 150 words describing what attending the Kimbilio Summer Retreat means for you or what you hope to gain from the experience.
- A 20-page, double-spaced, 12-point font manuscript of fiction (short story or novel excerpt). If submitting a novel excerpt, you may include a short summary of no more than 200 words. Juries will not read beyond the page limit. The summary page does not count as part of the 20-page excerpt.
A $15 application fee is required to cover application processing costs. If you have any questions, contact kimbilio@kimbiliofiction.com.
Apply through Submittable between now and March 31, 2026!