Call for Expressions of Interest:

PRPL’s 2024 Writer in Residence

Residency Dates: September 13th, 2024 – October 25th, 2024

Application Deadline: Friday, May 31st at midnight

Details and updates: www.prpl.ca/writer-in-residence

Overview

The Powell River Public Library invites applications for the Writer in Residence contract. The program is a 6-week community engagement residency supporting emerging and established authors with preference given to writers with professional experience working with or writing for children and youth – including those working in a range of formats such as graphic novels and spoken word, and those working in fiction and/or non-fiction.  The residency aims to foster an appreciation for writing through innovative public programming that will engage young readers and writers, as well as the wider community.

The Writer in Residence has access to a designated meeting room in the Powell River Public Library Makerspace and will engage with the public through school visits, outreach to community organizations, as well as in-person programs such as workshops, writer’s groups, manuscript consultation, and live performances.

Who Should Apply?

A successful candidate has a demonstrated passion for writing which they are eager to share, and an ability to work with and inspire writers of all ages and abilities. A successful candidate will have:

A minimum of two published books or equivalent performance, publication, and public engagement experience.
Proven experience in teaching writing workshops, editing, and mentoring writers, including youth and adults, as well as those writing for interest and enjoyment as well as publication.
Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to engage and inspire.
Wide-ranging knowledge and interest in a variety of genres.
Knowledge of publishing.
A commitment to inspiring and supporting Powell River’s writing community, especially those writing for youth.
Must be able to work in Canada.

Responsibilities

The Writer in Residence will meet a public engagement schedule based on a draft calendar of events coordinated by PRPL’s programming team. This schedule will integrate and complement existing PRPL programs and will include:

Presentations and workshops at local schools, and community organizations.
Special guest attendance at pre-existing PRPL programs like Preschool Storytimes, as well as writing groups for youth and adults.
Regular office hours, holding regular weekly drop-in writer’s sessions, and running a series of in-library workshops.
An end-of-residency debrief with PRPL staff with the opportunity to provide feedback about the residency with the goal of strengthening the residency for future Residents.
A final celebration that will bring together the Resident, community participants, and the public to celebrate and share writing produced in the program.

Expressions of interest should include a residency plan that outlines themes or projects the writer wants to explore through personal writing projects and community engagement, as well as a list of developed, proven, and ready-to-go programs, presentations, and workshops.

Remuneration 

The Writer in Residence will receive $4,500 for a 6-week residency running Friday to Friday, September 13^th to October 25^th. This full-time position (35 hours/week) may include days, evenings and/or weekends. The Writer in Residence will devote 50% of their time to library programs and projects for all ages, and 50% of their time to personal writing projects. This amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time at the library, as well as school presentations and outreach.

Travel fees will be reimbursed up to $600 (based on submitted receipts).

Accommodation 

Accommodation is provided by PRPL in partnership with Boxwood Cottages and Gardens, located two kilometres distance from the library. The WIR will be housed during the residency at Boxwood Suite, a heritage suite nestled in a large English garden with views of the ocean, the islands of Malaspina Straight and the snowy peaks of Vancouver Island. Boxwood Suite has the conveniences of being in the center of town, yet the large garden with a gazebo, grape arbor, and a creek and bridge at the back of the property provides perfect tranquility. The suite includes three bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. It is reserved for the WIR for all of September and October. With advance notice, the resident is welcome to arrive in early September before the residency begins and must depart by October 31. Company or additional guests must be negotiated in advance with the owner. The WIR is responsible for paying a $400 damage deposit to Boxwood Cottages and Gardens on arrival, refundable at the end of their stay.

Evaluation of Applications

Applicants will be evaluated based on inclusion of the following:

A cover letter that includes a short author statement/bio.
Resume or CV (In Word or PDF) with demonstrated experience in community and youth engagement. 
Writing sample (10-page writing sample from a published book, and/or 5-10 pages of work-in-progress). 
Description of proposed public programs/workshops during the residency based on the above mentioned draft calendar of events.

Our vision is to spark curiosity and inspire creativity by connecting library patrons with a working writer. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their cover letter some of the innovative ways their residency might resonate with and engage readers and writers, particularly youth.

The successful candidate will be selected by the Powell River Public Library programming team.  All applicants will be notified once the team has made its selection by Tuesday, June 20th. The successful candidate will be notified, but their name will not be announced until the residency has been secured.

More about us:

The Powell River Public Library is a single branch municipal library that provides equitable opportunities for growth, literacy, exploration and connection. PRPL serves a population of approximately 20,000 people on the upper Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, an area that encompasses the City of Powell River, the Tla’amin Nation, and the qathet Regional District including Lund, Texada Island, Savary Island and beyond.

Powell River is located on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation along the Salish Sea. The area is renowned for its historic Townsite neighbourhood, hut-to-hut Sunshine Coast Trail, Powell Forest Canoe Circuit, and its innumerable opportunities for wilderness recreation and exploration. We can be reached via a direct flight from Vancouver, or via multiple ferry connections from Vancouver and the Lower Sunshine Coast or from Vancouver Island. 2024 will be year three of PRPL’s Writer in Residence program.

Please submit applications electronically to Program Coordinator Sonia Zagwyn: szagwyn@prpl.ca

Or by Mail:

Writer in Residence Program

Powell River Public Library

100-6975 Alberni Street

Powell River BC V8A 2B8

Window to the Region

Photos thanks to PRPL photo competition winners.

Graphics from the mural in PRPL’s Teen Room by artist Luke Ramsey.