Mara Brock Akil’s Writers’ Colony Reveals 2025 Winter And Spring Cohort Members
“Throughout the past four years, I have been proud and inspired by the impact of the Writer’s Colony,” said founder Mara Brock Akil. “It has been an honor to continue the colony’s commitment to supporting underrepresented emerging writers with this year’s winter and spring cohorts, and have been thrilled to see them continue to grow and flourish as storytellers.”
With ‘Forever,’ Mara Brock Akil Wanted to Offer an “Apprenticeship Education” for Writers
In an era of disappearing DEI policies and fewer opportunities for writers, Brock Akil’s Shadow Program invites up-and-coming scribes to watch what it takes to run a set, from budget meetings to conversations with the art department: “The craftsmanship and the apprenticeship model are broken in a lot of ways.”
Mara Brock Akil’s Writers’ Colony Announces Cohorts For Spring Residency; Natalie Guerrero Appointed Artistic Director Of The Writers Colony
“The impact of the Writer’s Colony is something I am very proud of and I’m delighted to continue the colony’s commitment to nurturing underrepresented emerging writers, and providing them with exposure, access, and the tools they need to continue on their journeys.”
Mara Brock Akil’s Screenwriting Residency Announces Spring 2023 Cohorts
The three-month screenwriting residency takes place in West Adams, Los Angeles next door to Brock Akil’s story 27 productions company. During the residency, writers develop an original script that demonstrates their voice.
MARA BROCK AKIL IS HELPING BLACK WRITERS FIND VOICE THROUGH LATEST LUXURY LEATHER GOODS LAUNCH
When the Los Angeles native met Baddoo for the first time, she was instantly attracted to her products and the fact that they were designed by a Black woman. The two creatives later came together for something truly special—sustainable products that help other Black creatives in the process. All proceeds from the sales go to support The Writer's Colony, a program started by Akil to help up-and-coming as well as established Black writers.
How an L.A. Writer Created the Kind of Workplace You Thought Only Existed on T.V.
Mara Brock Akil likes to say that her office in historic West Adams reminds her of a Phyllis Hyman song. Assured, feminine, and suede-smooth—it’s easy to see the parallels between the classic R&B singer’s sultry voice and lyrics and Brock Akil’s modern, mood-lit writer’s den. Built around a small courtyard, with ample garden space and lounge areas, and designed in collaboration with Night Palm interior design studio founder Tiffany Howell, it’s a fresh take on Hollywood glamour. And thanks to two fully stocked kitchens, it’s the ultimate spot to host what Brock Akil likes to call her “Muse Dinners,” gatherings of creative minds and open hearts around a table filled with nourishing food.
Step Inside Mara Brock Akil’s ’70s-Inspired Office Oasis (and the Most Beautiful Writer’s Retreat in Town)
But beyond the work of her and her employees, Brock Akil also hoped to support other creatives—an aspiration that has come to life through the creation of an on-site colony for writers in a building adjacent to her office. “The best use of the space next door is to continue my mission of lifting as I climb, by spotting and developing talent by simply offering them a place to write, to belong, and to find their voice.”