How A Writer in Residency Works

The Writer in Residence acts as a mentor to writers in the communities of Pictou and Antigonish, reviewing manuscripts and providing criticism and advice about publishing. The aim of this program is to provide an important access point for emerging writers into the world of writing and publishing.

The Writer in Residence offers encouragement, support and a critical eye to beginning writers who are looking to express their literary voice as well as more established writers who desire a professional appraisal of their work.

Planned activities include:

• author readings and public appearances
• one-on-one consultations and mentoring
  
• series of creative writing workshops for adults held in the New Glasgow Library Program Room and the Antigonish Library. There will also be outreach workshops held in other branches and community venues.
• public readings by the Writer in Residence and writers in the program.
• series of creative writing workshops for children and teens held in libraries and in partnership with schools onsite in their facilities.
• See the workshops scheduled for 2009 with WIR Gary Blackwood

How Can I Participate?

To find out more about creative writing workshops in Pictou County contact library staff members Steve MacLean or Jodi McLaughlin at 755-6031.

In Antigonish County the contact person is library staff member, Lorraine Fennell, at 863-2486.

How the Community Benefits

The residency will contribute towards the creation of an active writing community for our two counties with the intent to sustain this important activity.

The Writer stimulates the writing culture already alive through creative new ideas and providing encouragement for the writing process and in doing so showcases the literary arts.

This type of initiative, under the guidance of the Writer in Residence will provide an opportunity for writers to hone their craft as writers and in turn help to preserve our cultural identity.

A wealth of knowledge, experience and appreciation of the quality of Canadian literature will also be imparted to writers by the Writer in Residence. Beyond his/her duties associated with fostering writing whether through advice and other learning activities, the Writer will share information about various support organizations.

Public readings and workshops by all writers will provide an opportunity for all writers and the public to develop and interest and support for writing.

Our current Writer in Residence is Gary Blackwood.

Previous authors hosted by Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library were Nova Scotian authors Harry Thurston, Sheldon Currie, Anne Simpson, Linda Little and Norene Smiley.

PARL recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage for this years Writer in Residence program.