SPRING & SUMMER 2013
Spring Poetry Colloquium
May 10 – 23 , 2013
Don McKay
Summer Adult Programmes
July 22 – August 1, 2013
Ken Babstock
Kimmy Beach
Denise Chong
John Gould
Lawrence Hill
Helen Humphreys
Priscila Uppal
www.sagehillwriting.ca • [email protected]
WELCOME
What is it about Sage Hill and the experience of writing here that has so many people coming to
Saskatchewan?
Let’s break it down:
Sage Hill was a NORAD station in the early 60s just east of Saskatoon. It provided a distant early warning to
keep the bad guys of the day out. It was a protective device, a safe and secure place. It is now a buffalo ranch.
In some ways, that’s what we still do, although we are nowhere near the actual Sage Hill. We provide a
protective place, away from our distracting responsibilities, where writers can relax into the discipline and
rhythm of all writing all the time.
Furthermore, if we adapt the Aboriginal saying I first read hand-written on a wall in Lame Deer Montana,
Education Is Our Buffalo, then in many ways we are keeping pace with where we started.
Writing is what we do. It’s what we are about. It’s what we all want to do better. So it is our single-most goal
to provide a place where good writers can learn how to write even better. We invite some of the very best
writers in the country to spend time helping other writers with the craft of putting the right words in the right
order.
We do this at all levels: from an introductory course in both fiction and poetry to a series of colloquia which are
in place to help writers prepare manuscripts for publication.
As odd and as dated as this word experience may appear, it really is an experience. Writers come to a small
town just north of Regina where the rest of the world goes away because you are with about 50 other writers
who all want the same thing.
You eat well, you learn from some of the best, you relax with other writers in any way you choose, and you
write. And then you write some more.
With any luck, you will have a satchel full of better writing than when you arrived.
That’s the story.
That’s what we do.
And that’s why we do it.
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2013 PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
May 10–23, 2013
Don McKay
July 22–Aug. 1, 2013
Ken Babstock
Kimmy Beach
Denise Chong
John Gould
Lawrence Hill
Helen Humphreys
Priscila Uppal
Spring Colloquium – Poetry
This is a facilitated retreat for poets who have a publication record and are
working towards manuscript completion. The colloquium offers a small group
context where writers will be given the opportunity to work one-on-one with
the instructor. Instruction occurs within a deep-immersion over a relaxed 14 days
with an emphasis on individual writing and manuscript revision.
Summer Workshops
Poetry, Fiction, and Non-fiction
These programmes are for adult writers at different levels of experience in poetry,
fiction and non-fiction. The focus is on the writing process and development of
participants’ skills in a small group context. There are introductory, intermediate
and advanced levels, each with these excellent instructors. This occurs in a deepimmersion, intense 10 days during a prairie summer. We are located on the rim of
the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley.
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SPRING COLLOQUIUM – Poetry
May 10–23, 2013
Lumsden, Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan’s Qu’Appelle Valley
This is an intensive two-week retreat. It is designed to assist poets with manuscripts in progress who wish to write
and have their work critiqued by an esteemed poet. Each writer will have a significant publishing record and the
desire to develop his/her craft and fine tune a manuscript. The rural, reflective setting is ideal for such work. There
will be ample time for writing, one-on-one critiques, and group meetings to discuss recent trends and thinking in
poetry. Eight writers will be selected from applications.
Facilitator:
Don McKay
Don McKay has published numerous books of poetry and several books of
essays. The poetry has been recognized with a number of awards, including two
Governor-General’s Awards and the Griffin Poetry Prize. His most recent book of
essays, The Shell of the Tortoise, received the BMO Winterset Award for Excellence
in Newfoundland and Labrador Writing for 2011. Paradoxides, his most recent
book of poems, includes meditations on geology and deep time, while pursuing
ongoing obsessions with birds and tools. He lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Tuition: $1495.00
Includes instruction, accommodation, meals and all facilities.
Application: See application procedure on page 12
Application deadline: March 1, 2013
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THE SUMMER PROGRAMME
July 22 – Aug. 1, 2013
INTRO TO WRITING
FICTION AND POETRY
Facilitators:
Kimmy Beach
John Gould
Lumsden, Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan’s Qu’Appelle Valley
This is an introduction to the basics of poetry and fiction, as well as the
fundamentals of workshop technique and self-editing. Two instructors will lead
11 writers who are beginning to explore the literary arts and who demonstrate
clear potential as writers.
Kimmy Beach’s fourth collection, in Cars, was published by Turnstone Press in
2007. Beach has read across Canada and in the UK; she was the 2005 International
Guest Poet for the Dead Good Poets Society in Liverpool, UK, where she launched
her third book, fake Paul. Her second book, Alarum Within: theatre poems, has
twice been adapted as a full-length stage play and was long-listed for the
ReLit award. Beach has served on several literary juries including the Governor
General’s Award for Poetry. In 2008 and 2012 she served as Writer-In-Residence
for the Parkland Regional Library. She’s currently working on two poetry
collections, a non-fiction book about Crete, and a collaborative young adult novel.
She lives and teaches in Red Deer, Alberta.
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THE SUMMER PROGRAMME
Facilitators:
Kimmy Beach
John Gould
John Gould is the author of the novel Seven Good Reasons Not To Be Good, and
of two collections of very short stories, most recently Kilter, which was a finalist
for the Giller Prize and a Globe and Mail Best Book. His fiction has appeared in
literary periodicals across the country and has been adapted for short films.
Gould has written freelance non-fiction, and has worked as an environmental
researcher, tree planter, and carpenter. As an arts administrator he created and
coordinated writing programmes for the BC Festival of the Arts and the Victoria
School of Writing. He has led writing workshops in various venues and teaches in
the Department of Writing at the University of Victoria, where he also serves on
the editorial board of the Malahat Review.
FICTION
WORKSHOP
A workshop for six participants who have acquired and moved beyond basic skills
in short or long fiction, who have published either books or in periodicals, and
who wish further development. Focus is on work in progress and will combine
group discussion, writing time, and individual critiques.
Facilitator:
Helen Humphreys
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Helen Humphreys is the award-winning author of five novels, four books of
poetry, and one work of creative non-fiction. Her fiction has been published
around the world, and her novel, Wild Dogs has been optioned for film. In 2009
she was awarded the Harbourfront Festival Prize for literary excellence.
THE SUMMER PROGRAMME
POETRY WORKSHOP
A workshop for six participants who have acquired and moved beyond basic skills
in poetry, who have published either books or in periodicals, and who wish further
development. Focus is on work in progress and will combine group discussion,
writing time, and individual critiques.
Facilitator:
Priscila Uppal
Priscila Uppal is an internationally-published poet, fiction, non-fiction writer,
and York University professor. Among her publications are eight collections of
poetry, including Ontological Necessities (2006; shortlisted for the $50,000 Griffin
Poetry Prize), and Successful Tragedies: Poems 1998-2010 (Bloodaxe Books, U.K.);
and the critically-acclaimed novels The Divine Economy of Salvation (2002) and To
Whom It May Concern (2009). Upcoming publications for 2013 include Projection:
Encounters with My Runaway Mother and Summer Sport: Poems. Time Out London
dubbed Uppal “Canada’s coolest poet.”
POETRY
COLLOQUIUM
A concept and process lab/seminar for five writers who have poetry manuscripts
in progress. The applicants will have published at least one book of poetry, or the
equivalent in periodicals. Focus will be on individual manuscript consultations,
writing time, and discussions dealing with technical, philosophical, or conceptual
issues in contemporary poetry.
Facilitator:
Ken Babstock
Ken Babstock is the author, most recently, of Methodist Hatchet which won the
2011 Griffin Prize for Poetry and was a finalist for the Trillium Book Award. He
has written three other collections, Mean, winner of the Atlantic Poetry Prize and
the Milton Acorn People’s Poet Award, Days into Flatspin, winner of a K.M. Hunter
Award and finalist for the Winterset Prize, and Airstream Land Yacht, finalist for the
Griffin Prize for Poetry, the Governor General’s Literary Award and The Winterset
Prize, and winner of the Trillium Book Award for Poetry. All four titles were named
in the Globe and Mail 100 Books of the Year.
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THE SUMMER PROGRAMME
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FICTION
COLLOQUIUM
A concept and process lab/seminar for five writers who have short or long fiction
manuscripts in progress. The applicants will have published at least one book of
fiction, or the equivalent in periodicals. Focus will be on individual manuscript
consultations, writing time, and discussions dealing with technical, philosophical,
or conceptual issues in contemporary fiction.
Facilitator:
Lawrence Hill
Lawrence Hill’s third novel was published as The Book of Negroes in Canada and
the UK, and as Someone Knows My Name in the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
It won the overall Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book, the Rogers Writers’
Trust Fiction Prize, the Ontario Library Association’s Evergreen Award and CBC
Radio’s Canada Reads. The book was a finalist for the Hurston/Wright Legacy
Award and long-listed for both the Giller Prize and the IMPAC Award. Hill is also
the author of the novels Any Known Blood (William Morrow, New York, 1999 and
HarperCollins Canada, 1997) and Some Great Thing (HarperCollins 2009, originally
published by Turnstone Press, Winnipeg, 1992). His short story Meet You at the
Door, appeared in the January–February, 2011 issue of The Walrus. His best-selling
memoir Blackberry, Sweet Juice: On Being Black and White in Canada (HarperCollins
Canada, 2001) is about growing up in the predominantly white suburb of Don
Mills, Ontario in the 60’s. Hill’s most recent non-fiction book The Deserter’s Tale:
the Story of an Ordinary Soldier Who Walked Away from the War in Iraq (written
with Joshua Key) was released in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and
several European countries.
THE SUMMER PROGRAMME
NON–FICTION
WORKSHOP
A workshop for six participants who have acquired and moved beyond basic skills
in short or long non-fiction. The non-fiction Workshop will focus on work-inprogress and will combine group discussion, writing time, and individual critiques.
Publication is not essential for inclusion in the workshop if the quality of the
material submitted is high; however, publication in periodicals or book form will
be considered an asset.
Facilitator:
Denise Chong
Denise Chong, a two-time finalist for the Governor-General’s award, is best
known for her family memoir, The Concubine’s Children, one of the first non-fiction
narratives of a Chinese family in Canada, and a Globe and Mail bestseller for
93 weeks. She also published The Girl in the Picture, about a girl who survived a
napalm attack, and which was also ground breaking in its portrayal of life in wartorn Vietnam. Her book Egg on Mao, is a meditation on human rights, spanning
20th century China and pivoting on a bus mechanic’s defiant act in defacing Mao’s
iconic portrait during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
TUITION: $1295 per course
Includes instruction, accommodation, meals, and all facilities.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 10, 2013
"I can’t praise Sage Hill highly enough. All the conditions created here came
together to encourage and support a sustained period of intense creativity."
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KROESTCH KEYNOTE 2013
Robert Kroestch was a much loved and respected writer, a former faculty member and strong supporter of Sage Hill
Writing. Kroestch’s sudden death in 2011 came as a shock to many who knew him and his work. In honour of Robert
Kroestch, his writing, mentorship, support and presence in the lives of so many Canadian writers, Sage Hill Writing has
dedicated the annual summer Keynote Address to his memory. The inaugural Robert Kroestch Keynote Address was
delivered by Bob’s good friend and colleague, John Lent, in the summer of 2011. The Kroestch was delivered by Robert
Calder in 2012.
BURSARIES & SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You may apply for the one scholarship you feel most qualified to receive. Please contact Sage Hill to request
information or you may download an application form from our website. This is a separate application and
adjudication procedure, but must be included in your programme application. Deadline for scholarship applications
is the same as the programme for which you are applying.
These are limited in supply and are made available through the generosity of people who believe in Sage Hill. They
are awarded to those with a clearly demonstrated financial need.
Applicants may also query organizations such as local art councils, cultural offices and service clubs in their own
community for other sources of support. Saskatchewan writers may be eligible for assistance from the Saskatchewan
Arts Board; contact the Literary Arts Consultant (306-964-1163).
SPRING COLLOQUIUM
SHARON DRUMMOND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is offered in memory of Calgary poet Sharon Drummond by her family. The partial tuition
scholarship will be granted to an emerging writer who is a participant in the 2013 Spring Poetry Colloquium.
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BURSARIES & SCHOLARSHIPS
SUMMER PROGRAMME
For Saskatchewan Writers
W.O. MITCHELL BURSARY
Awarded annually through the generosity of the Saskatoon Branch of the Canadian Women’s Press Club. Awarded to
a promising Saskatchewan writer who wishes to attend the summer programme at Sage Hill. This is a partial tuition
bursary that requires nominal assistance to the Executive Director. Please contact the Executive Director for more
details.
JOHN V. HICKS SCHOLARSHIP
A partial tuition scholarship given to a Saskatchewan writer through the generosity of the Saskatchewan Writers
Guild, in honour of the late John V. Hicks, former Poet Laureate of Prince Albert, for his contributions and years of
service to the literary arts.
JERRY RUSH SCHOLARSHIP
A scholarship offered by the Saskatchewan Writers Guild in honour of the late Jerry Rush, a beloved poet and teacher.
This partial tuition scholarship is available to Saskatchewan candidates between 19 and 24 years of age who show
skills in writing poetry.
For Manitoba Writers
ANNE SZUMIGALSKI MEMORIAL
MANITOBA SCHOLARSHIP
In recognition of her significant contribution to the writing community in Manitoba, individual donors through the
Manitoba Writers’ Guild and Prairie Fire magazine are offering this partial tuition scholarship to one Manitoba writer
to attend the Summer Programme in any genre.
For All Writers
JOAN STOICHEFF MEMORIAL
A $200 scholarship offered to a worthy writer in any genre. Offered in memory of long-time supporter Joan Stoicheff.
SAGE HILL BURSARIES
Sage Hill Writing Experience Board of Directors will award $200 bursaries to worthy participants in the Spring
Colloquium in 2013.
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APPLICATIONS
APPLICATION
DEADLINES
CHECKLIST:
Spring: March 1, 2013
Summer: May 10, 2013
•
Please apply online through our web site.
•
Be kind to the jury—adhering to standardized formatting such as
numbering pages and placing your name on each page makes your
application easier to assess.
•
Applications must be received by midnight on the deadline date.
•
Late applications may not be processed.
•
Your letter of intent is important.
❏ Completed application form available online.
❏ Introduction to Fiction & Poetry
• a one-page covering letter which describes your interest in creative
writing, your reasons for taking this course and what you hope to
achieve
• a five-page sample of writing
❏ Workshops & Colloquia
• a one-page cover letter outlining your project which includes your
intent and expectations for this programme as it relates to your
work
• your literary résumé
• a 12-page sample from your manuscript and five pages of
previously published work
• clearly identify the work as previously published or MSS you wish
to work on.
❏ Application fee of $50. Applications will not be accepted until receipt of fee has been received.
• by cheque (Sage Hill Writing)
• via PayPal ([email protected])
NEW! Please apply online at www.sagehillwriting.ca/adults/registration
APPLY ONLINE
Please contact us for further details should you require them.
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APPLICATIONS
GUIDELINES FOR PAPER •
SUBMISSIONS •
By E-mail :
By Mail:
FEES:
Do not send more pages than asked for; surplus pages will not be processed.
Submissions must be typed, double-spaced for prose, single-spaced for
poetry on 8½ x 11 white paper.
•
Published work may be submitted as a photocopy. Please don’t send
originals.
•
Do not use staples, fancy binders, or odd-sized sheets.
•
Manuscripts that do not meet the above criteria may not be considered. •
Submitted material will be forwarded to your instructor if you are accepted.
•
Please keep a copy of your submission as submitted material will not be
returned.
[email protected]
Sage Hill Writing
Box 1731
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 3S1
Spring Poetry Colloquium: 14 days, $1495.00
Summer Writing Experience: 10 days, $1295.00
SELECTION PROCESS:
Participants are selected by an impartial jury of peers and their learned decision is final. Standby
positions may be allotted.
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GETTING HERE
Arrival time The Sage Hill Poetry Colloquium takes place from May 10 – 23. The Summer
Programme takes place from July 22nd – August 1st. Participants are asked
to arrive between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the afternoon of Friday, May
10th (Spring Colloquium) or Monday July 22nd (Summer Programme), if at
all feasible. Saskatchewan is in the middle of a big country so we understand
how difficult it can be to arrive at this time.
Shuttle Sage Hill is happy to provide van shuttle service from the Regina airport for
service from airport anyone who needs it on May 4th for the fee of $10 per person one way. If this
interests you, please contact Sage Hill by April 30th with your arrival time at
the airport. We will advise you of the van pickup times by e-mail.
Buses to Lumsden
There are also STC buses that run daily from Regina, which will let you out by
request on the highway at Lumsden. You can check the bus schedule on the
STC website at www.stcbus.com/home. Please contact our office for further
information.
Retreat site Your private room at St. Michael’s is furnished with a single bed, sheets,
blankets, towels, a bathroom including shower and a small writing table.
You may choose to work in your room or you may prefer to work outside.
The Retreat has a number of spaces, including a common room, lecture hall,
small consultation and meeting rooms. Many people like to sit in one of the
comfortable chairs in the common area with their laptops. There are also
a number of quiet places outside, including picnic tables, chairs and hiking
trails. The environment at the site is highly conducive to the reflection and
concentration needed to produce creative work.
Meal times Meals for your time here are provided by Sage Hill along with a modest
and food services selection of kitchen appliances. A fridge is available for Sage Hill participants,
though there are no cooking appliances in the guest rooms. There is, however,
an electric kettle and an espresso machine available in the commons area.
There will be coffee on site, but connoisseurs are asked to bring their own
supplies for the espresso machine.
Meals are served daily at 08:00, 12:00 and 17:15. These home-cooked and
hearty meals are lovingly prepared and served in buffet fashion. There are
plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains on the menu for these meals, which
include meat and non-meat dishes. If you have specific diet requirements,
we will do our best to accommodate you. If your requirements are strict, you
are asked to bring additional supplies. Please let us know well ahead of time
because we will try to accomodate your needs.
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ACCOMODATION
Computer & Internet There is a desktop computer and a printer which are available for use on a
shared basis. Please bring your own laptop to work on. The internet can only
be accessed through the wireless connection in the common area.
No laundry on site! Please note there are no laundry facilities on site or in the town of Lumsden.
If you wish to do laundry during the retreat, please bring soap for washing
clothes in the sink as well as hangers on which to dry them.
“...a stellar faculty”
“...wow, what an awesome location”
“...it’s the people who make it”
“...a most precious time where the only thing you do is write
and then learn how to write better.”
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WRITING & READING
Schedule overview The specific structure and format of each programme will vary, depending
on the facilitator’s approach and the make-up of the group. Participants
can expect to spend part of their time in group sessions as well as individual
consultations with the facilitator. You will also have plenty of time to write
and revise your work: this is what you are here to do.
Manuscript printing services On site photocopying is limited but there will be two printers available. Please
bring a USB memory stick if you plan on using the printers.
Reading materials You are encouraged to bring any literature that you find inspiring to read. You
are also welcome to indulge in Sage Hill’s library of over 500 books. Often
writers who bring books to read end up abandoning them because of what is
available in our library. We suggest you bring books you need specifically for
your writing projects.
Public readings and Public readings by the instructors will take place in the evening. Bring any
bookstore of your books or periodicals that you would like to sell. A small consignment
bookstore will be operated on site, featuring work by participants, faculty, and
board members. Sage Hill will retain a 15% commission on any purchases.
Visitors Visitors are welcome to attend public readings, and arrangements can be
made with the on-site coordinator for them to join us for a meal as well. Please
let us know about any other visitors that you expect during the programme.
Overnight visitors cannot be accommodated.
Helpful materials Please bring any materials that you find helpful for writing and creating the
right environment. These may include practical items such as pencils, pens,
coloured markers, paper, extension cords, power bars, electric fans, whatever
you need to get into your groove. This also includes any domestic preferences
you may have, such as fluffy towels, spongy pillows, special soaps, if they
make you comfortable and feel at home as you deepen your craft. Toss in your
baseball glove for a game, stick your favourite dance CDs and mixes into your
bag, we just may want to dance and have a party. You may also find hiking
shoes useful for walking the trails. Binoculars enhance the vistas (there is lots
to see) and cameras capture the moments: faces, attitudes, sunsets, birds,
plants, and wildlife. If you think you will be outside a lot, bring bug repellent.
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WRAPPING UP
Last meal On the last day, we will finish our final lunch together at about 13:15. If you
are planning to travel by air, please make every effort to book a flight for that
afternoon. Though it is not always possible because Saskatchewan is in the
middle of a very big country.
Departure & There are a number of ways to get transportation to the airport. An afternoon
travel to the airport bus leaves to Regina at 11:30 a.m., but car pooling and the van service usually
transport most people going to Regina, the airport, and sometimes other areas. If
necessary, alternative transportation can be arranged to Regina.
In closing
Sage Hill is here to enhance your experience as a writer. Attendance is not
required at any session; however, the Experience is designed to develop existing
manuscripts as well as to generate new work. You are encouraged to write
whatever you wish to; it is your time. All courses provide some time for individual
writing.
Entrance to and placement in the courses is determined by impartial juries on the
basis of material submitted by applicants.
Sage Hill hopes all applicants find joy in their writing both within and beyond Sage
Hill’s programmes.
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LOCATION
St. Michael’s Retreat, a tranquil facility located in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley, 20 minutes north of Regina,
offers individual rooms with a writing desk, bed, and private washroom. The comfortable lounge features a
picture-window vista of the valley and there are group meeting rooms. The exceptional kitchen serves home-style
heart-smart meals. Walking trails, fields, woods, and country roads are also here on 248 undisturbed acres of hillside
property. This is an ideal retreat setting for intimate, focused dialogue and concentration on writing. St. Michael’s is
a 20 minute walk from Lumsden, where necessary conveniences can be found.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Bruce Rice
David Carpenter
Robert Calder
Tracy Hamon
Leona Theis
DD Kugler
Sarah Drummond
Vaughan Chapman
Glen Sorestad
John Lent
Jacqui Shumiatcher
Dave Margoshes
Val Shantz
Saskatchewan Arts Board
Canada Council for the Arts
Saskatchewan Lotteries
Saskatchewan Festival of Words
City of Saskatoon
Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild
City of Regina
SaskCulture
St. Michael’s Retreat
Saskatoon Public Library
Regina Public Library
Access Copyright
City of Prince Albert
Executive Director: Philip Adams
Programme Assistant: Fionncara MacEoin
Board of Directors:
Sandra Birdsell, President
Jeanette Lynes, Vice President
Bernadette Wagner, Secretary
Jackie Lay, Treasurer
Elise Godfrey, Director
Rhett A. T. Soveran, Director
Dave Carpenter, Director
Lloyd Ratzlaff Director
Carle Steel, Director