Applying for the Writer-in-Residence
Note: Applications for the position of Canadian Writer-in-Residence are now closed. All applications received by January 31, 2012 or postmarked January 31, 2012 will be considered. A final decision will be made by the Steering Committee mid-May 2012.
The Calgary Distinguished Writers Program encourages submissions from promising Canadian writers for the position of Canadian Writer-in-Residence, a ten-month residency at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Arts from August 15, 2013 to June 15, 2014. This is a unique opportunity for early to mid-career Canadian writers to devote their time to writing and to advancing their writing careers. Applications for the position are encouraged from writers from diverse genres—including literary fiction or non-fiction, poetry, script and playwriting. Candidates will have one to four published and/or performed works to their credit, and are expected to propose a project or projects that they will undertake during their term as Canadian Writer-in-Residence. They will preferably, but not necessarily, hold a university degree.
The residency is a full-time term position, with half of the Canadian Writer-in-Residence’s time reserved for their own writing projects, and half to be comprised of public outreach involving manuscript consultations, public presentations, assistance with hosting visiting writers, and other related duties. While the Canadian Writer-in Residence will be invited to speak to university classes and to the general public, this is not a teaching position.
The Calgary Distinguished Writers Program offers a generous compensation package, an office on the University of Calgary campus, and administrative support. Past Canadian Writers-in Residence include: Marcello Di Cintio, Charlotte Gill, Sina Queyras, Jaspreet Singh, Melanie Little, Natalee Caple, Robert Finley, Oana Avasilichioaei, Suzette Mayr, and Peter Olivia. The current Canadian Writer-in-Residence is Jeramy Dodds.
Submissions for the position of Canadian Writer-in-Residence should include:
- a literary resume;
- 1-4 published books, plays or screenplays;
- a statement of interest;
- a single-page description of projects to be undertaken during the residency;
- three letters of reference (preferably not from agents or publishers).
Submissions may be sent by mail or courier to:
Dr. Kevin McQuillan
Chair, Calgary Distinguished Writers Program
Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences Building, Room 1352
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
References may be included with your submission or sent separately by email to cdwp@ucalgary.ca
Please ensure the subject line of references sent by email read " WEB 2013 - 2014 Reference for [name]." Email references not correctly identified will not be opened.
Submission deadline is January 31, 2012. Please reference WEB 2013 - 2014 in your application.
Further information can be found at www.calgarywritersprogram.com or by contacting Terry Rahbek-Nielsen at 403 220 8177 or cdwp@ucalgary.ca
The Calgary Distinguished Writers Program strives to advance the careers of Canadian writers by providing them with time to write through a ten-month residency program. It enriches the Albertan and Canadian cultural scenes by hosting authors of international stature through a distinguished visiting writer residency.
The University of Calgary respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity.