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.

Q & A with Jenna Butler, 2025 Writer in Residence
Jenna Butler shares her thoughts on her approach to writing, what she hopes to achieve as the writer in residence and her long-standing relationship with MacEwan.
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Availability

Room 6-227, City Centre Campus

Drop-in hours

Thursday, March 6
1 – 5 p.m.

Monday, March 10
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 20
1 – 5 p.m.

Thursday, March 27
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Monday, March 31 (Final day)
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

By Appointment*

Friday, March 7
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Friday, March 21
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Friday, March 28
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

*To schedule an appointment, email  wir@macewan.ca.

Events

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.

  • 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