Events & Workshops

The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild is seeking a Writer-In-Residence (WIR) for the November 12-15, 2026 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-min 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. We hope the WIR will participate in daily writing prompts, group discussions and an open mic on the last evening. Goals of the Facilitated Retreat are to offer professional development and encouragement 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 during Thursday afternoon Nov 12 and departure Sunday morning Nov 15.  

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 washroom and meals are provided. The Writer-In-Residence is responsible for their own transportation to and from the venue, 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; we may not be able to accommodate some needs at this venue. 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 is available here https://skwriter.com/retreats/facilitated-retreats or upon request.

Expectations:

• To hold a 60-minute talk Thursday evening about writing or the writing life for an audience of emerging writers in all genres (primarily fiction, nonfiction and poetry).
• 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 participate in and/or help facilitate daily writing prompts (early morning), group discussions (late afternoon) and the Saturday open mic (evening).
• 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 why you would like to be Writer in Residence and explaining 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
• To help the SWG support writers of diverse communities and identities, we encourage applicants to self-declare if they identify as a writer who is a member of group(s) experiencing marginalization and underrepresentation. (i.e. Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, or Disability). This self-declaration will be used internally and will not be publicized.

Please email your application to programs@skwriter.com by Thursday August 13 by midnight.