Mountain Writing - Self Directed Residency 2023

Overview

The Self-Directed Mountain Writing program is a three-week residency for four established writers working in any genre (fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry), on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with climbing or mountaineering themes.

With a strong emphasis on literary quality, interior journeys of exploration and the psychology of extreme endeavours are as much a focus as the physical accomplishments involved.

Writers will enjoy dedicated, uninterrupted writing time in a spectacular mountain setting, and the communality of a small group of peers from around the world.

This program overlaps with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival where visiting authors, editors, or publishers will offer further enrichment and inspiration.

What does the program offer?

Participants will be encouraged to meet regularly to share work and projects for independent peer review and community support. During the program, once weekly, published guest speakers will present to the participants on topics and themes relevant to the program.

Writers will be allocated a Leighton Artist Studio for personal use.

Who should apply?

Established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in the mountain writing genre.

We welcome writers from all backgrounds, as well as gender identities and expressions.

Program Dates: October 25 - November 15, 2023