Writers in Residence

The University of Winnipeg English department runs two residencies for creative writers. Each of these programs allows us to offer a professional Canadian author a period of time to focus on their writing practice, while also offering our students, staff, faculty, and surrounding community the opportunity to attend the visiting author’s literary events and to meet individually with the author to exchange ideas and seek writing advice. These programs are free and open to members of the University of Winnipeg community, both on and off campus.

The Carol Shields Writer-in-Residence Program, established in 2006, has hosted many Canadian authors over the years and has built up a cherished number of followers who share in the tradition of the annual Carol Shields Distinguished Lecture and other events each Winter term. For more information: The Carol Shields Residency.

The Jake MacDonald Writer-in-Residence Program, established in 2021, runs in the Fall term. This program will frequently be offered online to allow for greater availability and access for participants. A unique feature of this residency will be the Jake MacDonald International Writers’ Conversation, a panel discussion featuring the visiting writer, and guests, in conversation with a writer from outside our borders. For more information: The Jake MacDonald Residency.