Wired Writing Studio

"The much needed time away from family and work not only enabled me the time to write, it also reminded me that this is my truest self - this is how I want to life my life."
Taryn Thomson, 2010 Wired Writing Studio

About the Wired Writing Studio

The Wired Writing Studio is a unique opportunity for poets and writers of fiction and other narrative prose to pursue their artistic visions and develop their voices through one-on-one editorial assistance from an experienced writer/editor, as well as through involvement in a community of working writers, both on-site at The Banff Centre and online for twenty weeks following the residency.

Intended specifically for those producing work of literary merit who are at an early or intermediate stage in their careers, this program offers an extended period of writing time: two weeks in Banff and the remaining 20 weeks in the writer’s own home or work space, working online. This balance is of special advantage to those with young families, demanding jobs, and other commitments that will not permit them to be away for longer periods. By delivering most of the program online, the Wired Writing Studio broadens a writer’s understanding of the Internet’s potential as a tool for artistic and professional development. Each participant is assigned to one faculty mentor and will continue with that mentor throughout the program. Online, the creative community is sustained by participation in an online discussion forum.

Work Spaces and Computers

Participants are housed in single rooms that also serve as their private work spaces. It is required that writers bring a computer to Banff for the residency period. One PC and one Macintosh computer are available in the common lounge for printing purposes and occasional email. Photocopying services are available at several public locations, and free wireless internet access is available throughout the campus.

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for published poets or writers of fiction (or other narrative prose) who are at an early or intermediate stage in their career. If you are seeking to develop a book-length manuscript with the guidance of an experienced writer/editor, and wish to divide the writing time between a two-week residency in Banff and twenty weeks in your home work space, this residency is for you. Since there are fewer of you than narrative writers, poets are particularly encouraged to apply. Past participants of the program have become leading writers in Canada. Applications from international writers are also welcome. For more specifics, see the Eligibility section.

Arrival and Departure Dates

Participants should plan to arrive in Banff on Sunday, September 29, 2013, and depart on Sunday, October 13, 2013.

Want to extend your stay?

Self-directed Writing Residencies run year-round and provide the time and space for focused work. Extend your stay before or after this program by applying for a Self-directed Residency.