Real-world advice from someone who has been there—that’s what every fledgling writer needs.
Since its inception in 1992, the writer-in-residence program has featured poets, novelists, essayists, playwrights and screenwriters. These writers share professional insight, wisdom and encouragement with people interested in writing as a hobby or a profession.
The writer in residence is available for discussion, consultation or editorial comment. Appointments are free and open to everyone—new and seasoned writers, members of the MacEwan community and the general public.
Meet Audrey J. Whitson
2023 Writer in Residence
Audrey J. Whitson is an Alberta-born-and-raised writer who makes her home in amiskwacîwâskahikan (also known as Edmonton), in Treaty 6 territory and Métis Region 4. Her poetry, short stories and essays have been published in many magazines and anthologies and won awards. Her novel, The Death of Annie the Water Witcher by Lightning, was a finalist for the Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize in 2020. Whitson’s collection of coming-of-age stories, The Glorious Mysteries, was longlisted for the 2014 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award. Her memoir, Teaching Places, was shortlisted for three awards in 2004, including the Grant MacEwan Authors Award. She is currently at work on a play about sexual exploitation.
Events
Writers who would like to be considered for MacEwan’s Writer in Residence should send a short email stating their interest, along with a short literary c.v., to Selection Committee Chair Jacqueline Baker.
Past writers in residence
Our writer-in-residence program has hosted many distinguished novelists, poets, literary non-fiction writers, screenwriters and playwrights since its inception in 1992.
- Naomi K. Lewis – 2021
- Darrin Hagen – 2020
- Anna Sewell – 2019
- Jaspreet Singh – 2018
- Deborah Willis – 2017
- Marina Endicott – 2016
- Peter Norman – 2015
- Dr. Susan Minsos – 2014
- Richard Van Camp – 2013
- Pierrette Requier – 2012
- Lynn Coady – 2011
- Don Trembath – 2010
- Debby Waldman – 2009
- Dan Vyleta – 2008
- Tim Bowling – 2007
- Jacqueline Baker – 2006
- Marilyn Dumont – 2005
- E.D. Blodgett – 2004
- Nigel Darbasie – 2003
- Curtis Gillespie – 2002
- Scot Morison – 2001
- Sally Ito – 2000
- Thomas Wharton – 1999
- Alice Major – 1998
- Caterina Edwards – 1996
- Fred Stenson – 1995
- Cora Taylor – 1994
- Mary W. Walters – 1993
- Gloria Sawai – 1992