Thrilled to Join the Writers in CEGEPs Program

I’ve been selected for the Writers in CEGEPs program—an initiative that brings established English-language writers into classrooms across Quebec. 

As someone who believes deeply in the power of storytelling and the role literature plays in building community, I’m honoured to be part of a program that places writers and students in direct conversation.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

For those unfamiliar with it, the Writers in CEGEPs program is funded by Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications and administered by the Union des écrivaines et des écrivains québécois (UNEQ), with support from the Quebec Writers’ Federation (QWF). 

The mandate is simple but meaningful: promote language-arts skills, spark creativity, and encourage a deeper appreciation of literature among students.

Although the program primarily serves English-language CEGEPs, French-language CEGEPs offering English literature courses are just as welcome to participate. 

The program also supports events open to the broader community, allowing students from various disciplines to connect with writers and the literary arts.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ME AND FOR THE STUDENTS

As part of the program, I’ll have the chance to step into classrooms and meet students where they are. 

Whether I’m offering a reading or leading a writing workshop, my goal is to help students see literature not as something distant or academic, but as a living, breathing practice.

I’m particularly excited about collaborating with teachers to tailor activities that resonate with their students.

WHAT I’LL BRING TO THE CLASSROOM

As part of the Writers in CEGEPs program, I’ll be offering immersive, workshop-based sessions that invite students to engage deeply with visual art as a springboard for creative writing.

Each workshop can include:

• Guided viewing of selected artworks (projected or reproduced)
• Writing prompts to encourage poetic or prose responses
• Sharing and exploration in a supportive, inclusive setting

Short talks and curated readings can also help frame each session, and I’m happy to offer a reading from Mechanics of a Gaze.

LOOKING AHEAD

I’m genuinely grateful for this opportunity and for the organizations behind it—UNEQ and QWF—for supporting writers and fostering literary engagement across the province. 

I can’t wait to meet the students, teachers, and communities I’ll be visiting over the coming months.

If you’re a CEGEP planning activities or if you have questions about my visits, feel free to reach out. 

And if you’re a student, I hope to see you in class soon.

Here’s to stories, conversations, and the many ways literature connects us.