The Hackerman Writer in Residence Program
The Hackerman Writer in Residence Program is a unique writer's residency designed to bring creatives from all corners of Baltimore together to share and create at the Pratt Library.
The Hackerman Writer in Residence Program aims to support the literary and cultural endeavors of the Baltimore community by connecting established and emerging writers with Library resources and tools. The program fosters meaningful connections with Library patrons, allowing writers to share their craft and contribute unique perspectives to the ever-evolving and growing city of Baltimore. It offers all members of the community unique opportunities to learn, engage, and participate in the literary arts alongside their fellow Baltimoreans.
For more information about the Hackerman Writer in Residence program, please email wir@prattlibrary.org.
D. Watkins
The Hackerman 2025 Writer in Residence is local author D. Watkins. D. Watkins is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Beast Side, The Cook Up, Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised, and We Speak for Ourselves—which was Enoch Pratt Free Library’s 2020 One Book Baltimore selection. His newest book, Black Boy Smile, was released in May.
Throughout the year, Watkins will engage with Library visitors through workshops, talks, and readings, providing valuable insights into his creative approach in the fields of podcasting, creative writing, and journalism. As part of his focus on storytelling techniques, Watkins will be inviting community members to write and record their Baltimore stories, with a curated collection made available via Digital Maryland. Check back for more information!
Spring Writing Contest
The Enoch Pratt Free Library, in partnership with Hackerman Writer in Residence D. Watkins, invites writers ages 14 and up to share their vision for “Imagining the Baltimore We Deserve.”
This essay contest is your chance to reflect on Baltimore’s past, present, and future through a lens that is bold, authentic, and creative. Essays should be 1,000 words or fewer and will be judged on originality, insight, and emotional resonance.
Prizes:
1st Place: $1,000 Visa gift card
2nd Place: iPad
3rd Place: The Syllabus – a set of essential books curated by D. Watkins
Key Dates:
Submission Deadline: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Winners Announced: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM, during D. Watkins' April program
Submission Guidelines:
- Essays must be original works created by the participant.
- Content must be appropriate for all audiences. Submissions containing discriminatory language or themes (e.g., racism, sexism, etc.) will be disqualified.
- Winners will be notified by email one week before the program.
- If you’d like your essay to be considered for D. Watkins’ final Writer in Residence project—an archive on Digital Maryland—please complete the EPFL Media Release Form and the Digital Maryland Release Form and submit them to wir@prattlibrary.org or drop them off at your nearest library branch.
Submit your essay and join us in imagining the future of Baltimore!
Submit NowUpcoming Writers in Residence Events
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Are you considering applying to the 2026 Writer in Residence Program but still have questions? Join us online to learn more…March 18, 6 PM -
A Unique Opportunity for Community Storytelling: Share Your Baltimore Story Drop by during office hours with…March 19, 3 PM -
Register for this workshop here. A comprehensive workshop with D. Watkins, where you can learn everything you need to know…March 20, 5 PM -
Register for this event here. Dive into the world of publishing and celebrate Baltimore’s creative voices…April 12, 1 PM
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A Unique Opportunity for Community Storytelling: Share Your Baltimore Story Drop by during office hours with…May 14, 3:30 PM
2026 Hackerman Writer in Residence Proposals
Learn more about applying to become the next Hackerman Writer in Residence at the Pratt, including program goals, requirements, and examples.
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Events
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Writing @ The Pratt
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