The Hackerman Writer in Residence Program

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.

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.

The three winning essays will be published in the Baltimore Beat.

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: Saturday, March 15, 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.
• In order for their essays to be included in the Baltimore Beat, winners will need to sign and return the EPFL Media Release Form.
• 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!

Big Publishing Q&A and Spring Writing Contest Winners

Dive into the world of publishing and celebrate Baltimore’s creative voices with the Hackerman Writer in Residence and bestselling author D. Watkins.

The first half of the program features a Big Publishing Q&A—an open forum to explore potential careers in literature, film, and television. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply curious about the creative industries, this is your chance to ask questions and gain insights from a seasoned author and storyteller.

In the second half, we’ll announce the winners of the Spring Writing Contest, where participants shared their visions for “Imagining the Baltimore We Deserve.”  Celebrate the creativity of Baltimore’s writers, hear excerpts from the winning essays, and be inspired by the voices shaping the future of storytelling.

This event is free and open to the public. Don’t miss it!

Upcoming Writers in Residence Events

• 
  Office Hours with D. Watkins, Hackerman Writer in Residence

  A Unique Opportunity for Community Storytelling: Share Your Baltimore Story   Drop by during office hours with…

  Central Library

  February 19, 3 PM
• 
  Building Interesting Characters for Nonfiction and Fiction with D. Watkins

  Register for this workshop here. Join D. Watkins for a comprehensive workshop on creating engaging, memorable characters…

  Central Library

  February 19, 5 PM
• 
  Book Proposal 101 with D. Watkins

  Register for this workshop here. A comprehensive workshop with D. Watkins, where you can learn everything you need to know…

  Waverly

  March 20, 5 PM
• 
  Big Publishing Q&A & Spring Writing Contest presented by D. Watkins

  Register for this event here.   Dive into the world of publishing and celebrate Baltimore’s creative voices…

  Central Library

  April 12, 1 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.