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 Beth Graham

2026 Writer in Residence

Canadian playwright, actor and dramaturg Beth Graham is MacEwan’s 33rd writer in residence.

Beth was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, grew up in Cochrane, Alberta, and now lives in Edmonton. Her plays and collaborations have been produced nationally and internationally (United States, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey). Beth is a two-time recipient of the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Alberta Literary Award for Drama and has been a finalist for the Governor General’s Award as well as the Carol Bolt Award. Her plays and co-creations include: The Drowning Girls (co-creator), The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble, Pretty Goblins, Weasel, Mermaid Legs, Mules (co-creator) and Dora Maar: The Wicked One (co-creator). Recently, Beth was the Lee playwright in residence at the University of Alberta and the dramaturg in residence at Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre in Edmonton.

Availability

Location

Room 6-227, City Centre Campus

Drop-in hours

September 16 – 30, 2025

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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.

  • Jenna Butler – 2025
  • M.L. Martin – 2024
  • Audrey Whitson – 2023
  • Naomi K. Lewis – 2022
  • Darrin Hagen – 2021
  • Anna Marie 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

Get to know our writers in residence

Call for Writers

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 Mark Smith.

Apply now