Writer-in-Residence

Richmond’s Writer-in-Residence Program delivers hands-on programming for local emerging and aspiring writers. The annual residency runs from September through November each year and is a partnership between Richmond Arts, Culture and Heritage Services and Richmond Public Library.

Richmond's 2023 Writer-In-Residence – Audrey Thomas

Audrey Thomas was born in Western New York State and immigrated to Canada in 1959. As well as in Canada, she has taught writing workshops and held residencies in several countries, including Zimbabwe, where they always started with a traditional song. She has received many awards, including the Canada Scotland Award, the Canada Australia Award, the Marian Engel Award, the W.O. Mitchell Award and recently, the Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence. She has published 18 books and is presently working on 19 and 20. During her two month residency in Richmond, Audrey will share her love for writing with the community to established and emerging writers through creative writing techniques, engaging conversations and reflections and diverse methodologies.

The City of Richmond is delighted to host the launch of Culture Days and Audrey Thomas’s residency on Saturday, September 23 at the Richmond Cultural Centre. Audience members will be immersed in the world of literature from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at this official opening event.

Throughout her residency, Audrey will host free writing workshops (registration required) and consultation and feedback sessions for workshop participants (registration requested). The workshops include:

• Memoir Writing: Everyone Has A Story
• Flash Fiction: A Very Short Story (Teens)
• All in the Family: Writing About Relationships
• Writing Circle for Teens
• Conversations

On Tuesday, November 28, the Writer-in-Residence program will officially close with a free public event from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Richmond Cultural Centre. Participants from the residency will offer readings of their creations, and Audrey will offer a feature reading of her work to commemorate the finale event.

Registration for the Writer-in-Residence programs is open as of Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Free public events

2023 Writer-in-Residence Opening Event
Saturday, September 23
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Atrium
More information

Experience an hour-long event featuring an author reading, a dynamic Q&A session, and more information on a series of free workshops that will be offered from September to November 2023. During this launch event, we will have the privilege of introducing Audrey Thomas, a renowned author whose literary prowess has captivated readers across Canada. Whether you are a devoted bookworm, a budding writer, or simply someone who appreciates the transformative power of words, this launch event is not to be missed.
Please note: Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Attendance is free and open to all.

Free Writer-In-Residence Closing Event
Tuesday, November 28
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall

Join us for an exceptional evening of literary celebration as we honor the participants of the 2023 Writer-in-Residence program, guided by author, Audrey Thomas.

This FREE Writer-In-Residence Closing Event promises an intimate gathering steeped in the art of literature. Workshop participants will grace the stage, sharing the fruits of their creative labor – stories nurtured and polished throughout this inspiring residency. While the event initially caters to workshop participants and their cherished families and friends, we extend a cordial invitation to the public to partake in the celebration of this year's program. Audrey Thomas will illuminate the evening with a reading of her literary creations, offering a glimpse into her personal journey and commemorating the culmination of this enriching residency.
Do not miss the opportunity to connect with fellow literature enthusiast and immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of storytelling.
Please note: Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Attendance is free and open to all.

Registration for Free Richmond Public Library Events

Memoir Writing: Everyone Has A Story (Adults)
3 sessions: Wednesdays, October 4, 11 & 18, 2023
2:00 – 4:00 pm
19+ years
Richmond Public Library Brighouse Branch – Community Room
Registration required

Our memories are a bit like a junk drawer, full of odds and ends, in which we toss things that might be useful someday, or that we just can’t quite throw away. Over three immersive sessions, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the depths of your memories to craft compelling narratives. Audrey encourages participants to open up that drawer and create a story, a story about yourself as the main character, but also about family, friends, people and places you have come in contact with. Through exercises, prompts, and group discussions, you'll sharpen your writing skills and gain insight into the art of memoir writing.

Flash Fiction: A Very Short Story (Teens)
3 sessions: Wednesdays, October 4, 11 & 18, 2023
4:30-6:00pm
13-18 years
Richmond Public Library Brighouse Branch - Community Room
Registration required

Stories can be found anywhere and through the simplest moment or object. Explore the captivating world of flash fiction in three sessions, pushing your creativity with word limits from 500 to 150 words. Stretch your storytelling abilities with writing prompts, master brevity, and unleash your imagination in this empowering experience.

All in the Family: Writing About Relationships (Adults)
2 sessions: Sundays, November 5 & 19, 2023
2:30 – 4:30 pm
19+ yrs
Richmond Public Library Brighouse Branch - 2nd Floor Program Room
Registration required

Discover the profound art of writing about family relationships in this interactive workshop series. In these two engaging sessions, participants will delve into the importance of paying attention to the world around them, fostering keen observation skills. Participants will be encouraged to explore their surroundings, taking notes on significant moments and encounters. Join in on inspiring discussions and readings, and collectively reflect the intricacies of family dynamics and connections through writing.

Free Workshops presented by Richmond Arts Centre. Registration required.

Registration for Free Arts Centre Events

Memoir Writing: Everyone Has A Story (Adults)
3 sessions: Mondays, November 6, 20, & 27, 2023
6:00 – 8:00 pm
16+ years
Richmond Cultural Centre Annex – Creativity Lab
Event #: 265958

Our memories are a bit like a junk drawer, full of odds and ends, in which we toss things that might be useful someday, or that we just can’t quite throw away. Over three immersive sessions, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the depths of your memories to craft compelling narratives. Audrey encourages participants to open up that drawer and create a story, a story about yourself as the main character, but also about family, friends, people and places you have come in contact with. Through exercises, prompts, and group discussions, you'll sharpen your writing skills and gain insight into the art of memoir writing.

Writing Circle for Teens
Thursday, October 26, 2023
1:00 – 2:30 pm
13-18 years
Richmond Cultural Centre Annex – Creativity Lab
Event #: 265285

Thursday, November 2, 2023
4:00 – 5:30 pm
13-18 years
Richmond Cultural Centre Annex – Creativity Lab
Event #: 265963

Bring in a family snapshot. Exchange snapshots and study the one you are given to inspire your writing. What do you see? This is about observation and inspiration.

Conversations (16+)
(registration preferred but not required)
To register please email writerinresidence@richmond.ca

Multiple Sessions and Dates
Schedule announced during workshops
Open to all workshop participants.

All workshop participants are invited to join Audrey Thomas for an individual 30 minute conversation to receive personalized feedback. Writers of all ages and levels welcome. The schedule will be announced during workshops to participants. Please note that Audrey will read a maximum of three pages of your work. Whether you're an avid reader or aspiring writer, Audrey will provide her best possible answers to your questions about your work. Pre-registration is required; email writerinresidence@richmond.ca to secure your spot.

Writer-in-Residence opportunities contact
Amélie Nikitin, Arts Programmer, Arts Services
Phone: 604-247-8325
Email: Amelie.Nikitin@richmond.ca

Past Richmond Writers-in-Residence include:

2022 - Lindi Notle
2021 - Sonya Lalli
2020 - Lindsay Wong
2019 - Cynthia Sharp
2018 - Andrew Battershill
2017 - Nilofar Shidmehr
2016 - Karen X. Tulchinsky
2015 - Caroline Adderson
2014 - Nancy Lee
2013 - Mark Leiren-Young
2012 - Sally Stubbs