Writer in Residence

Now Accepting Applications to the Writer in Residence Program

Published authors are being invited to apply for the 2021-2022 Haig-Brown House Writer in Residence position. The residency entails spending the winter months (or a portion thereof) living in the Haig-Brown Heritage House.

The modest four bedroom house reflects the character of writer Roderick Haig-Brown and his wife Ann. Located in a peaceful setting on the banks of the Campbell River on Vancouver Island, it contains a Heritage library and is surrounded by two acres of garden and 17 acres of public parkland.

The Writer’s time will be divided between pursuing personal writing projects and providing literary advice and support to the local community, with writing time favoured on a 60/40 basis. The writer would also participate in the Museum at Campbell River’s winter programming. 

A stipend of up to $2000 per month, depending on available funding, will be provided.

Applications should include:

  • A resume or CV (maximum two pages)
  • A list of publications
  • A sample of work in progress (10 - 20 pages)
  • A letter of interest outling:
    • Ideas and themes for proposed community programming.
    • Reasons why the residency would further your work including an indication of what personal writing project you would be working on during this residency. 
    • Experience mentoring emerging writers.
  • Two letters of reference

Forward your application package via email or mail to Ken Blackburn, Museum at Campbell River, Box 70 Stn A, Campbell River, BC V9W 4Z9. Email is: .  Application deadline is March 5, 2021.

For further details, click here.

Comments from past writers:

“This was an extraordinary residency, and a gift of inspiration. The Haig-Brown house on the Campbell River embodies the spirit of its celebrated owners. The place literally welcomes writers with a warm and quiet embrace. The Museum of Campbell River provided excellent support and carefully respected my writing time. It did an excellent job promoting the residency.” 

Andrew Nikiforuk, Writer in Residence 2013-2014

“My residency at the Haig-Brown House has given me much needed time to write again. I've accomplished much more than I thought I might at the start, mostly because of the quiet, creative space that the House seems uniquely designed to provide. I've also made some great contacts in the Campbell River area, in effect expanding my literary community.”  

Charlotte Gill, Writer in Residence 2012/2013

“For me the Haig-Brown residency has been a sanctuary away from the distractions that sometimes slow me down as a writer. The house, the river, and the property have been an inspiration on many levels and I have had some of my best writing days here.”

Trevor Herriot, Writer in Residence 2011/2012

Past writers

2004/2005       Don McKay                 Victoria, B.C.

2005/2006       David Carpenter          Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

2006/2007       Myrna Kostash            Edmonton, Alberta

2007/2008       Brian Brett                   Saltspring Island, B.C.           

2008/2009       Marjorie Doyle             St. John’s, Newfoundland

2009/2010       Harry Thurston            Amherst, Nova Scotia

2010/2011       Patricia Robertson      Whitehorse, Yukon

2011/2012       Trevor Herriot              Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

2012/2013       Charlotte Gill               Powell River, B.C.

2013/2014       Andrew Nikiforuk         Calgary, Alberta

2014/2015       *David Carpenter        Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 

2015/2016       Wayne Grady              Kingston, Ontario

2016/2017       John Donlan                Vancouver, B.C.

2017/2018       Bev Sellars                  Soda Creek, B.C.  

2018/2019       Terry Jordan                Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

2019/2020       Eden Robinson           Kitimaat, B.C.