Deadline to apply for the 2017 position is Thursday, October 13
I don’t know about you, but when I’m in a rough spot or running out of steam, looking back at a joyful moment helps.
For me, one of those moments happened last November, when I learned I’d been selected to be the CBC/QWF’s first writer-in-residence. I still grin when I remember jumping up from my chair when my name was called during the QWF Literary Awards Gala.
In a time when freelance journalism opportunities have been drying up, it was great to have a home for my stories. I was delighted to have the chance to write five columns that were featured on CBC Montreal’s website. I also enjoyed working closely with CBC’s editorial team. They helped me fine-tune my ideas for the columns, as well as the columns themselves. At the same time, CBC encouraged me to follow my own instincts. In every column I wrote, I started with a personal story, but then moved on to interview other Montrealers about subjects that moved me—the role of objects in our lives, finding love later in life, juggling two careers, telling lies, and the stories we tell ourselves.
For me, stories are a way of making sense of our lives, and connecting with others. I connected with the Montrealers I interviewed by listening to their stories, and by sharing those stories through CBC Montreal, I like to think that I connected with readers across the province.
If you’re thinking about applying for the 2017 CBC/QWF writer-in-residence gig, go for it! I look forward to seeing where the next writer-in-residence takes the column.
All applications for the 2017 CBC/QWF Writer-in-Residence program must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on October 13, 2016.
For more information, and to submit your application, visit the QWF Submittable page.
Photo credit: Studio Iris
