Bolt Cutters Author Cohort

The Bolt Cutters Author Cohort supports writers who have experienced incarceration, jail, or immigration detention as they develop books, essays, artists statements/bios, and other writing projects. Through book and sanctuary coaching, writing cafés, craft talks, workshops, and community, the cohort helps writers tell vital stories and shift public narratives around incarceration and abolition.​

Monthly cohort gatherings offer participants a safe environment where they can discuss their criminal histories without stigma, invasive questions, or judgments. Participants are not required to discuss their criminal histories. The common ground of having been formerly incarcerated, jailed, or detained is enough. This has allowed cohort members to open up, share deeply, and receive support around their writing projects.

Guest speakers may attend craft talks; otherwise, program coordinators will go over a tool from the resources such as mapping the book, creating an action plan, or developing their support landscape.

Story workshopping, weekly writing cafes, and biweekly individual coaching allow participants to ask questions and get help with their stories, write in a collaborative environment, and talk about the other parts of their writing lives.

For 2027, we are targeting the next call for applications to open on January 15th and close on March 30th. We are looking for 20 people, prioritizing BIPOC and bilingual Spanish speakers. Two information sessions will be held in February. Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by April 30th. The cohort will meet online and run from July 1st through December 31st.


Support Bolt Cutters Author Cohort today with a tax-deductible donation!