The Rush Cottage Writers' Residency

Lil O’Brien is the winner of The Rush Cottage Writers’ Residency 2025

Hawke’s Bay Readers & Writers Trust, in conjunction with Black Barn Retreats, is thrilled to announce that Auckland-based writer, Lil O’Brien, is this year’s recipient of The Rush Cottage Writers’ Residency.

“Lil’s application was brilliantly written, and her project immediately captured our imagination,” says Hawke’s Bay Readers & Writers Trust chair, Catherine Robertson. “Our judging panel separately read through all 50 applications and we each compiled a shortlist of five. Lil turned out to be our unanimous first choice, so that made our decision super easy!”

Lil is the author/editor of two books: Not That I’d Kiss A Girl and OTHERHOOD. This is the first writers’ residency she has won.

"I'm delighted to get this encouragement and support to do two of the things l love most: writing queer stories and being in close proximity to wine,” says Lil. “My biggest thanks to Louise, Catherine and Judith, and to Black Barn Retreats. Not just for this opportunity, but for all the work they do to support writers in Aotearoa."

The Rush Cottage Writers’ Residency includes seven free nights’ accommodation at Rush Cottage, generously donated by Black Barn Retreats, and a stipend of NZD$1000 (including GST) to support the writer’s time.

Last year’s winner, Sonia Yoshioka Braid, says: “The Rush Cottage Writers’ Residency offers up time, a beautiful creative space, and a supportive community who are chomping at the bit to read your work. It is inspiring and reaffirming.”

“We limited the number of applications to 50, and we received that many in two days!” says Catherine Robertson. “We were particularly pleased to see such a variety of writers, working in poetry, non-fiction, literary fiction, romance, junior fiction, speculative fiction, and memoir. The Rush Cottage Writers’ Residency really is open to all New Zealand writers, and thanks to the ongoing generosity of the team at Black Barn, there will be another opportunity to apply next year.”