Writers in Residence Making them a success at your library OLA Super Conference 2010 Session...

Writers in Residence Making them a success

at your library

OLA Super Conference 2010Session #1013—February 26

Marilyn PillarInnisfil Public Library

Greg KelnerNorth York Central Library

Phyllis JacklinToronto Reference Library

Session Content

1. Benefits: Why should I host a residency?

2. Planning: What is the best theme or focus?

3. Basic Requirements: How do I plan and execute?

4. Program Ideas: What activities should I include?

5. Your Turn: Questions and sharing

Benefits

Why should I host a residency?

- Benefits our users- Benefits the library- Benefits the writer

Benefits Our Users

– Supports aspiring writers through the opportunity

to work with and learn from a professional writer

– Supports avid readers by introducing them to

working writers and providing insight into the

creative process

– Provides a unique and free learning opportunity

that is not widely available

Benefits the Library

– Promotes our collections and information services

– Positions us as a key literary destination

in the community and a supporter of writers

and readers

“I had my appointment with Karen yesterday.

Please pass on my thanks to her, and to the

Toronto Library for giving us such wonderful

programs. There are not very many instances

when I feel my tax dollars are so well spent.”

Benefits the Writer

– Financial support– Space and time to write– Opportunity to expand teaching and coaching skills– Opportunity to promote their writing

“The purpose is to encourage exchange between

the author and the community, and to enable the

author to work on a writing project.”

Program Description, The Canada Council for

the Arts

Karen Connelly in

conversation with

Andy Barrie,

Sept. 18, 2008

CBC Metro Morning

cbc.ca/metromorning

Planning

What is the best theme or focus?

– Fiction, Non-Fiction– Poetry, Screenplays, Genre Fiction– Illustrators– Children, Teen, Newcomers– No focus, all types of writing

Thematic Examples

Robert J. Sawyer – Science Fiction

Chester Brown – Graphic Novels

Kathy Stinson – Children’s Literature

Robin Maharaj – Immigrant Experience

Hal Niedzviecki – Urban Voice

Sugith Varughese – Screenwriting

Genre Fiction

Deborah Cooke – Romance (TPL)

Gail Bowen – Mystery (TPL)

Karl Schroeder – Sci Fi (TPL)

Broad Focus

Broad Focus

Shane Peacock – (Innisfil)

Basic RequirementsHow do I plan & execute a residency?

Resources

Budget (Revenue)

- Annual

- Occasional

- Co-sponsors

Canada Council (author residencies)www.canadacouncil.ca/grants/writing/wb128792870822784.htm/

Resources

Budget (Expenses)– Author salary

– Transportation

– Accommodations

– Event costs

– Promotion/marketing

– Office supplies

Revenues

Canada Council Grant 10500

Library Contribution 3500

Donation

Friends of the Library 7000

TOTAL 21,000

Expenses

CC Salary Contribution 10000

CC Travel Costs 500

Library Salary Contribution 8000

Library Travel Costs 1500

Publicity 1000

TOTAL 21,000

Resources

Canada Council requirement

“organizational capacity”

– Physical• Space• Equipment

– Staff support

Resources

Staff support

Single liaison person for author

may be important

Or

NOT!

The Competition

Canada CouncilThe Guidelines

• Purpose• Contract• Canadian citizen• Published professionally• Writers outside host’s city

The Competition

• Formal

– Job description– Advertising the

competition– Evaluation &

selection process (scoring sheet)

•Informal

- Goals

- Contact authors

- Meet author(s)

- Formal interview

- Selection based on fit

Job Ad & Scoring List

Interview Questions

The key to success!

The Contract

Canada Council

Application deadline – March 1for

July 1 – June 30 term

Canada Council review

Evaluation by Peer Assessment Committee

Canada CouncilSuccess –

you got the grant!

Now what are

your responsibilities

to Canada Council?

Canada Council

You didn’t get the grant!

Do you have a backup plan?

Try again next year?It is a competition – the best applications win!

Promotion/Marketing

What ?

How ?

When?

Program Ideas What activities should I include?

Program Ideas - Manuscript review

“My experience of this program was wonderful from start to finish. Deborah Cooke embraced her role so wholeheartedly and provided such amazing feedback to aspiring writers like myself. Her critique was extremely comprehensive and thoughtful – just the sort of feedback that I’ve been seeking all along.”

Program Ideas – Manuscript review

Submission RequirementsNo originals manuscripts

Type-written

Set maximum pages, contact info

FeedbackReview author’s style

Check references, experience

Program Ideas – Workshops and Panels

The Business of Writing

The art and practice of Writing http://

www.openbooktoronto.com/news/writing_gymnastics_with_karen_connelly

Program Ideas – Workshops and Panels

Writer’s Circle/Blue Pencil Room Intensive, short-term, small group meetings for writers with promise

Writer’s Round TableOpen to all, group critique, resident facilitated

Program ideas – Receptions, Readings and Book talks

Opening Kick Off

Build community participation

Use existing audiences – schools, book clubs

Online Presence

Contests

Closing events

Your Turn

• Share program ideas

• Questions

Marilyn Pillarmpillar@innisfil.library.on.caGreg Kelnergkelner@torontopubliclibrary.caPhyllis Jacklinpjacklin@torontopubliclibrary.ca