Whistler Writer in Residence

The Whistler Writer in Residence (WWR) is an intensive workshop program for emerging or established writers seeking to raise the level of their writing craft, while working on a specific writing project. Stay tuned for our 2024 writer in residence…

Open to all residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor, participants receive feedback on their manuscripts from our WWR guest author during three one-on-one sessions, and at three group lectures focusing on various aspects of the writing craft, writing life or publishing industry.

The program is held at the Alta Lake Artists Cabin on the shores of picturesque Alta Lake, next to The Point Artist-Run Centre, and takes place during September and October. In 2024, we offer an in-person program with online options, on a case-by-case basis, if needed.

Participants submit their manuscripts by August 1st, (up to 15 double spaced pages, size 12 font), in the genres of fiction or non-fiction—although other genres will be considered depending on the background of the guest author. There is some flexibility with the critique of submissions, and writers can choose to submit one piece and re-write it over the period of the residency based on feedback from the WWR guest author, or receive feedback on multiple submissions. The guest author /mentor will be announced in early July 2024.

The cost of the program is $450 (TBC: depending on grants we receive).

One WWR Scholarship is available for Sea to Sky Residents as part of our equity initiative program. Writers who are Indigenous, Black or a person of colour (IBPoC) are invited to apply here.

Previous Whistler Writer in Residence guest authors have included: Paulette Bourgeois, Joseph Boyden, Candas Jane Dorsey, Wayne Grady & Merilyn Simonds, Brian Brett, Sarah Selecky, Ania Szado, Fred Stenson, Michael Winter, Susan Juby, Caroline AddersonClaudia Casper, Cornelia Hoogland, Shaena Lambert and Cody Caetano.

Applicants are enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis, and should express their interest in an email to Rebecca Wood Barrett at Writers@WhistlerWritersFest.com

Group writing craft session at Alta Lake Cabin
WIR potluck at Alta Lake dock
Cody Caetano - 2023 Writer in Residence
See what participants have to say about the Whistler Writer in Residence program:
 

“I enjoyed the group aspect of the craft sessions and being engaged in the “writer community.” Caroline has a great, “see the essence,” way of assessing writing and providing feedback – she has helped move my manuscript along in a significant way.”

“I like the content of the workshops, the input and comments of the instructor, having deadlines to submit work, opportunity to hear a professional advice on my work. The Writer in Residence, Susan Juby, was a wealth of information and support and a wonderful person to converse with.”

“The access to and direct feedback from an experienced, published author was invaluable. Claudia offered immense insight into craft writing, publishing and general information about the industry as a whole; information that is hard to come by unless you’re lucky enough to know someone who is a published author many times over. Her comments, suggestions and advice on my own personal work was over the top. I now have immense clarity for my structure/tone/voice/etc., compared to the first session weeks ago. That is huge. I did not expect Claudia to be such an incredible advocate for my book.”

We are grateful for the funding assistance from the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Community Enrichment Program and the BC Arts Council.