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.
About Paul Fischer
Fall 2026 Writer in Residence
Best-selling author, screenwriter and columnist, Paul Fischer is MacEwan’s 34th writer in residence.
Fischer grew up in France. After living in many places around the world, he currently calls Edmonton home. His inspirations and successes all started with a prophetic note from his elementary school teacher.
He has written three books, starting with 2015’s A Kim Jong-Il Production. Named as one of National Public Radio’s Best Books of the Year and one of Library Journal’s Top Ten Books of the Year, it has since been translated into 16 languages. He followed the novel’s success with The Man Who Invented Motion Pictures in 2022 and The Last Kings of Hollywood in 2026, which was a New York Times bestseller.
Fischer has also written for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Independent and The Narwhal.
Availability
| Location | Days | Time | Meeting Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room 6-227 | Wednesdays | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | by appointment* |
| Room 6-227 | Wednesdays | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | drop in |
| Room 6-227 | Thursdays | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | by appointment* |
*To schedule an appointment, email wir@macewan.ca.
Events
You can add participation in event(s) to your Student Experience Record.
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.
- Beth Graham – Fall 2025
- Jenna Butler – Winter 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
Writers interested in MacEwan’s Writer in Residence should email an expression of interest, CV and relevant materials to Chris Hutchinson by the end of September.