Want to be Writer in Residence at the Toronto Public Library’s Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy and help the next generation of Canadian SF writers to develop their skills?
If so get your applications ready! A four-month, $16 000 writer in residence position is coming available for Spring 2010 and the Merril Collection is accepting applications until January 23, 2009–a mere two weeks from today!
Qualifications include being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada with a minimum of five novels or short story collections of science fiction, fantasy or horror, published by a professional publishing house. Some day I’ll qualify…
This particular Writer in Residence spot has a special place in my heart, of course, because it was Robert J. Sawyer’s stint as W-in-R in 2003 that got me hooked up with the Fledglings and started me off on my own writing career, publication, Writers of the Future win…
I really hope that whomever gets the slot will do what Rob (and Judith Merril before him) did: set up a writers group for the best of the students they see over the course of the one-on-one appointments (I think Rob did 60 or so). It helped me, it helped the folks that Judith Merril picked, and it’s a wonderful way for the genre community to flourish in Canada (or at least Toronto… 😉
Below are the fine-print details. Good luck to anyone applying!
– S.
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Toronto Public Library
Writer in Residence Positions (1)
The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy,
Spring 2010 (4 months)
Toronto Public Library invites applications from Canadian writers for Writer in Residence positions. The residencies are designed to encourage exchanges between the author and the community and require 14 hours per week at the library for: public readings, workshops, evaluation of submitted manuscripts, and one-on-one meetings with writers from the general public. The remaining time is available for the Writer in Residence to work on his or her own project. Terms of employment are based on Canada Council guidelines. Position and length of term are subject to Canada Council funding.
The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy
Spring 2010
Science fiction, fantasy and horror
Remuneration: $16,000 for four-month term
Eligibility Criteria:
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• Minimum of five novels or short story collections of science fiction, fantasy or horror, published by a professional publishing house
• Active in the writing profession
• Experience in teaching creative writing
• Intend to work on a new project, normally intended for book-length publication
Applications must include:
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume, including a list of publications and completed projects, a summary of teaching experience, and suggestions for Writer in Residence workshops and programs
• Two letters of reference
Application Deadline:
Friday, January 23 2008
Send applications to:
Writer in Residence
c/o Lorna Toolis
Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy
239 College Street, 3rd floor
Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R5
OR
ltoolis@torontopubliclibrary.ca