Writers in Residence Making them a success at your library OLA Super Conference 2010 Session #1013—February 26
Mar 27, 2015
Writers in Residence Making them a success
at your library
OLA Super Conference 2010Session #1013—February 26
Marilyn PillarInnisfil Public Library
Greg KelnerNorth York Central Library
Phyllis JacklinToronto Reference Library
Session Content
1. Benefits: Why should I host a residency?
2. Planning: What is the best theme or focus?
3. Basic Requirements: How do I plan and execute?
4. Program Ideas: What activities should I include?
5. Your Turn: Questions and sharing
Benefits
Why should I host a residency?
- Benefits our users- Benefits the library- Benefits the writer
Benefits Our Users
– Supports aspiring writers through the opportunity
to work with and learn from a professional writer
– Supports avid readers by introducing them to
working writers and providing insight into the
creative process
– Provides a unique and free learning opportunity
that is not widely available
Benefits the Library
– Promotes our collections and information services
– Positions us as a key literary destination
in the community and a supporter of writers
and readers
“I had my appointment with Karen yesterday.
Please pass on my thanks to her, and to the
Toronto Library for giving us such wonderful
programs. There are not very many instances
when I feel my tax dollars are so well spent.”
Benefits the Writer
– Financial support– Space and time to write– Opportunity to expand teaching and coaching skills– Opportunity to promote their writing
“The purpose is to encourage exchange between
the author and the community, and to enable the
author to work on a writing project.”
Program Description, The Canada Council for
the Arts
Karen Connelly in
conversation with
Andy Barrie,
Sept. 18, 2008
CBC Metro Morning
cbc.ca/metromorning
Planning
What is the best theme or focus?
– Fiction, Non-Fiction– Poetry, Screenplays, Genre Fiction– Illustrators– Children, Teen, Newcomers– No focus, all types of writing
Thematic Examples
Robert J. Sawyer – Science Fiction
Chester Brown – Graphic Novels
Kathy Stinson – Children’s Literature
Robin Maharaj – Immigrant Experience
Hal Niedzviecki – Urban Voice
Sugith Varughese – Screenwriting
Genre Fiction
Deborah Cooke – Romance (TPL)
Gail Bowen – Mystery (TPL)
Karl Schroeder – Sci Fi (TPL)
Broad Focus
Broad Focus
Shane Peacock – (Innisfil)
Basic RequirementsHow do I plan & execute a residency?
Resources
Budget (Revenue)
- Annual
- Occasional
- Co-sponsors
Canada Council (author residencies)www.canadacouncil.ca/grants/writing/wb128792870822784.htm/
Resources
Budget (Expenses)– Author salary
– Transportation
– Accommodations
– Event costs
– Promotion/marketing
– Office supplies
Revenues
Canada Council Grant 10500
Library Contribution 3500
Donation
Friends of the Library 7000
TOTAL 21,000
Expenses
CC Salary Contribution 10000
CC Travel Costs 500
Library Salary Contribution 8000
Library Travel Costs 1500
Publicity 1000
TOTAL 21,000
Resources
Canada Council requirement
“organizational capacity”
– Physical• Space• Equipment
– Staff support
Resources
Staff support
Single liaison person for author
may be important
Or
NOT!
The Competition
Canada CouncilThe Guidelines
• Purpose• Contract• Canadian citizen• Published professionally• Writers outside host’s city
The Competition
• Formal
– Job description– Advertising the
competition– Evaluation &
selection process (scoring sheet)
•Informal
- Goals
- Contact authors
- Meet author(s)
- Formal interview
- Selection based on fit
Job Ad & Scoring List
Interview Questions
The key to success!
The Contract
Canada Council
Application deadline – March 1for
July 1 – June 30 term
Canada Council review
Evaluation by Peer Assessment Committee
Canada CouncilSuccess –
you got the grant!
Now what are
your responsibilities
to Canada Council?
Canada Council
You didn’t get the grant!
Do you have a backup plan?
Try again next year?It is a competition – the best applications win!
Promotion/Marketing
What ?
How ?
When?
Program Ideas What activities should I include?
Program Ideas - Manuscript review
“My experience of this program was wonderful from start to finish. Deborah Cooke embraced her role so wholeheartedly and provided such amazing feedback to aspiring writers like myself. Her critique was extremely comprehensive and thoughtful – just the sort of feedback that I’ve been seeking all along.”
Program Ideas – Manuscript review
Submission RequirementsNo originals manuscripts
Type-written
Set maximum pages, contact info
FeedbackReview author’s style
Check references, experience
Program Ideas – Workshops and Panels
The Business of Writing
The art and practice of Writing http://
www.openbooktoronto.com/news/writing_gymnastics_with_karen_connelly
Program Ideas – Workshops and Panels
Writer’s Circle/Blue Pencil Room Intensive, short-term, small group meetings for writers with promise
Writer’s Round TableOpen to all, group critique, resident facilitated
Program ideas – Receptions, Readings and Book talks
Opening Kick Off
Build community participation
Use existing audiences – schools, book clubs
Online Presence
Contests
Closing events
Your Turn
• Share program ideas
• Questions