Tales from a Writing Residency

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to serve as Vaughan Public Library's inaugural Writer-in-Residence. Although I've worked as a freelance editor, story coach, and writing mentor on and off over the years, the scale of this project was definitely next level.

Over ten weeks from May to July 2026, I met with 55 writers in one-on-one manuscript consultations, hosted drop-in office hours, created and led six professional development workshops, and established seven unique critique groups. Some writers came to the residency with polished manuscripts they'd been working on for years. Others were still drafting their very first pages. Some dreamed of publishing novels, while others simply hoped to tell a story they'd been carrying around for decades.

Every day I met with writers who were brave enough to bring in something rough, something unfinished – heartfelt projects most had never shared with anyone before. Being invited into the process of their creative journeys was exciting and a little bit humbling. We all come to the page for our own reasons, at our own pace, with our own hopes and fears. But what connects us all is the universal human desire to have our voices heard – something that can’t be accomplished in a vacuum.

Anyone who’s ever faced down a blank page understands how deeply personal the writing process can be. Writers tap into a world of memories, emotions, experiences, untold regrets and desires in order to bring our stories to the page with honesty and authenticity. And so, it goes without saying that sharing our writing with a stranger can feel very daunting. I remember the first time I let someone (other than family) read my manuscript, it felt like I’d emptied my underwear drawer out onto my front lawn. Luckily, I got over that anxiety soon enough, because it’s impossible to grow as a writer if you don’t muster up the courage to take the all-important first step of sharing your work. I’d never have a book published (let alone 35) without asking for feedback, being open to critique, and finding my tribe of like-minded creatives.

This residency was a great example of how writing can be solitary, but doesn't have to be lonely. Many of the writers I met with had been toiling away behind closed doors, not knowing the importance of finding their tribe (or where to look for them). Coming together with other writers for presentations and drop-in sessions was a new experience for so many.

"I've learned more about writing in the past few weeks than I have in the past 20 years," one participant remarked after attending a variety of sessions. It was an offhand comment, but it struck me as a great reminder of how writers need to connect with other writers in order to learn and grow.

“I am much more brave than I was just a few weeks ago!” another participant wrote to me after the whirlwind ten weeks were over. It’s an apt testament to the importance of pushing ourselves to take that first step, regardless of how scary it seems.

Now that the residency has come to an end and I’ve had a chance to catch my breath, I’d like to express my gratitude to Vaughan Public Libraries for affording me this opportunity, as well as to every writer who shared their work along the way. I’ve been blown away by your talent, courage, creativity, and enthusiasm. Thank you for showing up, for trusting me with your words, and letting me be part of your journey. It was an absolute joy to spend the summer talking about stories with you and am looking forward to seeing what your next steps bring.