Bestselling Winnipeg author latest Writer-In-Residence

Katherena Vermette is the newest Writer-In-Residence at The Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture (CCWOC) at the University of Manitoba. Vermette will work with students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public from January to April 2021.

A long-time affiliate of CCWOC, Katherena Vermette is a Métis writer from Treaty One territory, the heart of the Métis nation, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her first book, North End Love Songs won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry in 2013. Her novel, The Break was a bestseller in Canada and has won multiple awards and nominations. The Break was also the fall 2020 selection in the University of Manitoba Alumni Book Club. She is also the author of a picture book and graphic novel series as well as a co-writer and co-director of a Canadian Screen Award winning short documentary making her residency at CCWOC a benefit to writers of all types.

Vermette is excited to work with the U of M community. “I am delighted to be the CCWOC Writer-In-Residence this term. I am looking forward to connecting with writers, talking about writing and spending good times in some great stories,” said Vermette.

“Katherena has long been a supporter of our work at CCWOC, so it is a special pleasure to have her joining us,” says Warren Cariou, Director. “She is one of Turtle Island’s finest artists in fiction, poetry and graphic novel genres, and therefore brings a multi-vocal approach to the residency. Katherena also brings an extraordinary spirit of generosity and humility to everything she does, and she has a gift for inspiring creativity in others. It is an honour to host her in this online residency.” Cariou encourages aspiring writers to take this opportunity to learn and benefit from Vermette’s advice.

WELCOME EVENT

CCWOC will welcome Katherena Vermette 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 out the day before.

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

INDIVIDUAL WRITER CONSULTATIONS

As part of Vermette’s role, she will be available virtually by appointment to writers of all levels from January to April. To consult with Vermette, students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public are encouraged to contact her by email to arrange a free meeting.

Jan. 21 to April 18, 2021
Thursdays
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WRITING WORKSHOP

Vermette is hosting a free 6-week multi-genre writing workshop throughout the residency. During this weekly series, she will cover voice and style, world building, writing in different time frames/eras and creating a character. The workshop will run on Wednesday’s February 24 to March 31, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Registration for the online workshop is limited and Vermette is looking forward to mentoring the small group on what each person can learn from other genres. See more information on how to apply for the workshop.

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

Also see CCWOC affiliate Katherena Vermette wins 2013 GG Literary Award for poetry.

Amber Ostermann