The Waterston Desert Writing Prize is currently open to applications for their 2018 writing prize. The winner will receive $2,000 and a four week writing residency at Playa, in the Central Oregon desert.

The prize seeks to honor “literary nonfiction that illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place, and desert literacy – with the desert as both subject and setting. ”

According to their guidelines:

“The Prize annually honors literary nonfiction that illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place, and desert literacy – with the desert as both subject and setting. Inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love of the high desert of Central Oregon, a region that has been her muse for more than 30 years, the Prize recognizes the vital role deserts play worldwide in the ecosystem and human narrative. Emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers are invited to apply. “

The deadline to enter is April 1st, 2018.

Past winners have covered topics such as the desert tortoise, and California fan Palm oases.

To learn more, visit their website.