The Mall of America is looking for a writer-in-residence

A giant glass star stands outside the new entrance
A giant glass star stands outside the new main entrance of the Mall of America, flanked by the JW Marriot hotel and an office building.
Tim Nelson | MPR News 2015

A week at the mall?

It sounds like the dream of a 1990s teenager. Or the nightmare of anyone who doesn't love crowds and the ever-present scent of Cinnabon.

But if you're a writer, just think of the inspiration to be found at the Mall of America: 5.6 million square feet of retail space, food courts, tourists and indoor roller coasters. There's even a person dressed as a giant shrimp in there.

Inspired yet?

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The Mall of America hopes you are. To mark its 25th anniversary, the Mall of America has put out a call for a writer-in-residence, and it is now accepting applications. They're seeking a writer "to capture how much we've evolved over the course of the last 25 years."

During the residency, the winner will be put up for four nights at a hotel attached to the mall. The gig also comes with a $400 gift card toward food. (That's about 100 Cinnabons, if you're counting.)

While on site, the writer will be "deeply immersed in the Mall atmosphere while writing on-the-fly impressions in their own words." He or she will receive a "generous honorarium" for the time.

Full application details are available from the Mall of America.