Writer-in-Residence Program
Our Department houses one of the longest running Writer-in-Residence programs in the country; it has hosted a writer annually since 1972. For more than 50 years, we have been fortunate to provide a home base to celebrated authors such as André Alexis, Margaret Avison, Anita Rau Badami, Earle Birney, George Bowering, Bill Bissett, Robert Bringhurst, Bonnie Burnard, Austin Clarke, Ivan Coyote, Cherie Dimaline, Emma Donoghue, Sheila Heti, Margaret Laurence, Gwendolyn MacEwen, Daphne Marlatt, Daniel David Moses, M. NourbeSe Philip, Leon Rooke, Gerry Shikatani, Drew Hayden Taylor, Jane Urquhart, and Adele Wiseman. For a complete list of all past Writers-in-Residence as well as links to our collection of their works in 深夜福利站 Libraries, please click .
The mandate of the residency is to provide support for an accomplished writer while allowing the community to benefit from the writer’s creativity and expertise. The Writer-in-Residence’s contact with the community includes holding office hours on campus to offer feedback to and consultation with other creative writers. As well, the WIR also presents readings, visits classrooms at the university and elsewhere, and takes on a leadership role at a variety of literary and cultural events both on and off campus. Through such events, the Writer-in-Residence works to raise the profile of literary activity in the community and enriches the local cultural scene. The Writer-in-Residence is generally available to the local community for seven months of the academic year, between September and March (with activities suspended during December since classes are not in session).
How to Apply for the Writer-in-Residence Position
We welcome applications for the Writer-in-Residence position.
Annual Deadline for Applications
October 30th (this deadline is for applications for the subsequent academic year).
Annual Term for the Residency
The beginning of September to early April each academic year.
Residency Stipend
The total stipend is $50,000 (paid in installments throughout the residency term). Employment benefits are not included with the package.
Key Components of the Residency
- The residency involves being able to be physically present on campus at least one day per week and sometimes more frequently in order to visit classes or do events on dates that may be outside of the days for scheduled office hours. The residency involves in-person, rather than virtual, engagement.
- Holding 3 hours of office hours on campus per week to meet with other creative writers and provide feedback on their work as well as general writing mentorship.
- Holding 3 hours of office hours per week at the London Public Library for one semester OR 3 hours of office hours every other week for two semesters. The WIR can negotiate a scenario that works for both them and the library.
- Upon invitation, visit classes in the Arts and Humanities to discuss the WIR’s writing.
- Organizing and leading at least 2 public events per semester (i.e. a creative writing workshop, a public reading, etc.)
- Pursuing one’s own creative writing projects.
How to Apply
Each application should include the following components:
- A resumé
- A cover letter
- A one-page statement outlining specific ideas for supporting the work of apprentice writers and contributing to the cultural life of 深夜福利站 and the broader London community during the residency.
- A writing sample (no more than 15 pages)
Please email the application to:
Professor Pauline Wakeham, Vice-Chair
Department of English and Writing Studies
pwakeham@uwo.ca
Selection Process
The selection of the Writer-in-Residence is made by means of an ad hoc committee composed of the Vice Chair, other faculty members, a graduate student representative, and a representative from the London Public Library. Some of our key considerations include the following:
- The quality of the writer’s work and extent of publications
- Experience in mentoring other writers and/or fostering creative community
- The quality of the writer’s one-page statement and the vision for supporting apprentice writers and contributing to the cultural life of the university as well as the broader community
If you are interested in applying but have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Pauline Wakeham at pwakeham@uwo.ca.
