Writer in Residence

Writer in Residence - Andrea Routley

Each winter a Canadian writer spends the winter months at the Haig-Brown House engaging in public programming with the writing community, and working on their writing.  

Andrea Routley is a writer and editor from BC’s south coast. Her work has appeared in literary magazines, such as Geist and The Fiddlehead Review, and in 2020, the title story of her new book, “This Unlikely Soil,” was shortlisted for the Malahat Review Novella Prize. Her debut collection, Jane and the Whales (Caitlin Press, 2013), was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. She recently completed her Master of Fine Arts UBC (Okanagan). This winter, while the Haig-Brown House Writer in Residence, she will be completing her novel Field Guide to Bats and Other Damage.

How to Apply to the Writer in Residence Program

Published authors are being invited to apply for the 2023-2024 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.

More information is available in this attachment.

Application Information Sheet

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: public.programs@crmuseum.ca .  

Application deadline is March 31, 2023.

Past Writers in Residence

2004/2005Don McKayVictoria, B.C.
2005/2006David Carpenter Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2006/2007Myrna KostashEdmonton, Alberta
2007/2008Brian BrettSaltspring Island, B.C.
2008/2009Marjorie DoyleSt. John’s, Newfoundland
2009/2010Harry ThurstonAmherst, Nova Scotia
2010/2011Patricia RobertsonWhitehorse, Yukon
2011/2012Trevor HerriotSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
2012/2013Charlotte Gill Powell River, B.C.
2013/2014Andrew NikiforukCalgary, Alberta
2014/2015David CarpenterSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
2015/2016Wayne GradyKingston, Ontario
2016/2017John Donlan Vancouver, B.C.
2017/2018Bev SellarsSoda Creek, B.C.
2018/2019Terry JordanSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
2019/2020Eden RobinsonKitimaat, B.C.
2021/2022Danny RamadanVancouver, B.C.