Events & Workshops

The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild is seeking a Writer-In-Residence (WIR) for the November 6-9, 2025, Facilitated Retreat at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster. The Facilitated Retreat is open to beginner or emerging Saskatchewan writers in any genre, and includes consultations with the Writer-in-Residence, silent writing time and group interaction.

The Writer-in-Residence will give a 60-minute talk about writing or the writing life, intended for emerging writers of all genres, on the first evening of the Facilitated Retreat. The WIR will also meet one-on-one with each participant (maximum of ten) for 45 minutes each to give specific feedback on their submitted 10 pages of writing and discuss writing-related questions. The WIR and/or Guild staff also facilitate daily group discussions and host an open mic on the last evening. Goals of the Facilitated Retreat are to offer professional development through consultations, offer a space for writing, as well as building community among emerging Saskatchewan writers.  
 

The Facilitated Retreat will take place at St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, with arrival on Thursday afternoon, Nov 6 and departure on Sunday morning Nov 9.  

The Writer-in-Residence will be paid a maximum fee of $1500, plus GST if applicable, for working with 10 retreat participants. If participant numbers are fewer, a lesser fee will be paid: a minimum of $1,000 based on 5 retreat participants, plus $100 per participant above the minimum of 5, up to a maximum of 10 participants (for a total payment of $1500).

A private room with a washroom and meals are provided. The Writer-In-Residence is responsible for their own transportation to and from the facility, although carpooling may be available. Applicants with mobility or accessibility needs or severe food allergies/restrictions are encouraged to speak to the Guild about how we can help make the retreat an enjoyable experience for you; some needs may not be able to be accommodated and may affect your acceptance or accommodation. Previous Writers-In-Residence for either in-person or virtual Facilitated Retreats should allow three years before re-applying for this position. Complete information about the Facilitated Retreat schedule is available upon request.

Expectations:

• To hold a 60-minute talk on Thursday evening about writing or the writing life for an audience of emerging writers in all genres.
• To review and evaluate writing samples supplied by retreatants in their application; to discuss this work and interact with participants in 45-minute meetings during the retreat (max of 10 meetings).
• To provide an introductory email to participants to welcome them to the retreat prior to arrival.
• To work with Guild staff to help facilitate daily group discussions, as well as host and participate in the Saturday open mic
• To submit a final report and invoice to the SWG about the Facilitated Retreat

Qualifications:

• A demonstrated ability to work with writers of different genres.
• Experience in a teaching or mentoring situation with beginning/emerging writers.
• An extensive publication or performance history, including at least two books or the equivalent in your genre. This position is open to established writers in any genre. We would like the chosen WIR to demonstrate how they have gained knowledge of the craft of writing in all genres, as our retreatants will represent diverse writing.
• Saskatchewan residency preferred. Out-of-province applicants must explain their connections to the Saskatchewan writing community in their application.

To apply, please submit:

• Your literary CV (max 5 pages)
• A letter describing your approach to teaching/mentoring writers and how you have supported emerging writers through other relevant experiences  
• The names and phone numbers of two people familiar with your teaching/mentoring ability

Please email your application to programs@skwriter.com by Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by midnight.