Memoirist latest Writer-In-Residence

Lindsay Wong is the newest Writer-In-Residence at The Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture (CCWOC) at the University of Manitoba. Wong will work with students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public from September to December 2020.

Lindsay Wong is the best-selling, award-winning author of the memoir The Woo-Woo: How I Survived Ice Hockey, Drug-Raids, Demons, and My Crazy Chinese Family, which won the 2019 Hubert-Evans Prize for Nonfiction, was a finalist for the 2018 Hilary Weston Prize for Nonfiction and was defended by Joe Zee on Canada Reads 2019. She holds a BFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia and an MFA in literary nonfiction from Columbia University. Based in Vancouver, she combines her sense of humour and fearless writing style to share her experiences in both her own writing and with aspiring writers via editing and workshops.

Storytelling and personal narrative are how we connect and form an even deeper understanding of ourselves as individuals.
-Lindsay Wong

Wong is excited to work with the U of M community. She shared, “what a tremendous honour to be part of the writing community at U of Manitoba! I wish this residency was on campus, but I’m still very glad to know and meet many of you over Zoom. I look forward to chatting about all aspects of the craft, reading your creative work and feeling inspired and empowered through your words. There’s so much to learn from all of you, as storytelling and personal narrative are how we connect and form an even deeper understanding of ourselves as individuals.”

“It is an honour to host Lindsay as the CCWOC’s twenty-fifth writer-in-residence,” says Warren Cariou, Director. “I am particularly happy that we are able to offer this residency despite the disruptions that the pandemic has brought.  Lindsay is a brilliant writer and a highly accomplished teacher and mentor, and I know she will inspire creativity and critical engagement. Though her presence will be a virtual one, Lindsay will certainly make a major impact on all of us, and I look forward to learning from her throughout the term.” Cariou encourages aspiring writers and storytellers to take this opportunity to learn and benefit from Wong’s advice.

WELCOME EVENT

CCWOC will welcome Lindsay Wong to the University of Manitoba at a virtual event where she will give an inaugural reading. All are welcome. If you would like to attend this free event, email ccwoc@umanitoba.ca with your name and telephone number. The Zoom link will be emailed to participants the day before.

Thursday, September 24, 2020
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Zoom

INDIVIDUAL WRITER CONSULTATIONS

As part of Wong’s role, she will be available virtually by appointment to writers of all levels from September 10 to December 9, Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. To consult with Lindsay Wong, students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public are encouraged to contact her by email to arrange a free meeting.

WRITING WORKSHOP

Wong is hosting a free 6-week memoir workshop throughout the residency. During this weekly series, memoirists will workshop a short essay or an opening chapter in a supportive but honest community of writers. The workshop registration is full and Wong is looking forward to mentoring the small group on the challenges and limitations of working in memoirs as well as exploring avenues for publishing.

For more information about any of these programs and events, please contact the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture at ccwoc@umanitoba.ca.

Amber Ostermann