The Humber School for Writers

Summer Workshop in Creative Writing

FAQs

Over the last 19 years, the HSW workshop has been taught by some of the most talented writers in English in the world. Our teachers have included Martin Amis, Peter Carey, two-time Booker Prize winner, Tim O'Brien, National Book Award Winner in the USA, Mavis Gallant, Francine Prose, Anne Beattie, Alistair MacLeod, winner of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, Edward Albee, legendary playwright and many, many others.

Prominence is not the only quality we look for in our instructors. All of our faculty have considerable knowledge about the craft of writing and will do their best to let you know how to make your work better. 

We want you to succeed and will do the best we can to help you achieve your goals. If appropriate, we can help agent your completed work. If you are published in book form, we will add the cover of your work to our "wall of fame" and may ask you to read or speak for us. Some of our faculty are former students.

In the summer workshop, you will spend five mornings in a small class with your writing mentor and classmates, and five afternoons and two weekend days in lectures from first-rate agents, publishers, writers, and others who will help you to understand the context of writing and publishing and how to succeed in this context.

While all the above is potentially exciting, we also realize that the most important progress in writing is artistic progress. We aim to provide insight into the craft of writing and help you hone your skills.

What happens during the summer workshop?

You spend five mornings in class with a small group of students. In that time, each of you reads and comments on the work of the others under the guidance of your writing instructor. You will also have a short private meeting with your instructor. Each faculty member addresses the entire student group at least once, so you will hear from every faculty member on our roster that season. Former students who have published in the previous year tell how they went from aspiring to published. Top professionals in editing and agenting say what they are looking for and how to achieve success. Some technical talks are given to the group, and there is an optional reading by each student.

The large group meets on Saturday morning and spends the weekend hearing from former students and publishing professionals. On Saturday night, there is an optional streetcar ride and walking tour of literary Toronto. Weekday mornings are spent in small classes and afternoons in a larger group, listening to lecturers and panelists. The student readings take place on Wednesday night. The workshop ends with a farewell banquet on Friday afternoon.

Are there any other benefits?

Artistic Director, Antanas Sileika, calls the workshop "rocket fuel for the literary life." Participants can expect to be exhausted and exhilarated by the end of the workshop.

You may also find that your colleagues are a useful support group. Some years ago, four alumni formed a writing circle and vowed to stay together until all had been published. The last they were heard from, three had.

Humber has an in-house agent, Margaret Hart, who may be able to help you to place your manuscript with a publisher. Ask your writing instructor to recommend you to the agency or try to speak to Margaret directly. The agency cannot guarantee representation or placement.

How much of my text will the instructor look at?

Student work for consideration is limited to 15 pages. The insights provided on the pages you submit are intended to help you through the rest of your work. The manuscript you submit for participation in the workshop will be forwarded, if you are accepted, to your writing mentor. You must bring a class set of this same work with you (ten copies) so that the other students can read your work as well. Please do not make any changes to the manuscript between the time you submit it to us and the time you arrive with copies.

What writing level is expected?

We have had true beginners and those with published books. However, we do not always have suitable mentors for certain types of work. We usually do not work in romance, police procedurals, adult fantasy and science fiction, horror, rhyming poetry, and most mass-market work. We are especially good at literary fiction, contemporary poetry, and creative non-fiction. Other types of work that have proved problematic in the past consist of intense emotionscapes, often having to do with abuse or revenge. These are rough guidelines only. The easiest way for us to tell if a piece of writing is suitable is to see the writing itself.

Where is the campus and what is it like?

The Humber Lakeshore campus is at Kipling and Lakeshore in the West end of Toronto. The campus is on the site of an old psychiatric hospital and is made up on red brick "cottages" in a park-like setting. The lakefront is a ten-minute walk away and has a wonderful view of downtown Toronto. Streetcars stop in front of the campus on Lakeshore Blvd. West, and the Kipling subway stop is twenty minutes away by direct bus. Downtown Toronto is twenty minutes away by car outside of rush hours. Residence, gymnasium, and breakfast cafeteria can be found on the West side of the campus.  We have computer labs on the campus. If you have a laptop, you can connect to the campus wireless for Internet access.

A map of the Lakeshore campus can be found at this site:

http://www.humber.ca/maps/lakemap.htm

Some photos from the last couple of years of summer workshops can be found at this site - they are not annotated, but will give you some idea of the "feel" of the summer at Humber:

As well, a photo study of the site can be found at the site of a talented photographer here:

http://flickr.com/photos/southeil

The site has an interesting history, which can be Googled through "Lakeshore psychiatric" which will give sites such as this one:

http://www.newtorontohistorical.com/Mimico%20Asylum.htm

How much does it cost?

The current fee is $949, which includes all lectures, in-class time, parking, computer access, welcome wine and cheese reception, 6 lunches, and coffee breaks as well as the farewell banquet. It does not include residence.

Some other workshops charge less, but they are shorter and do not provide any meals. We believe you get excellent value at Humber.

How much does the residence cost and what is it like?

See our brochure or web site for this year's costs. For a detailed picture of this modern residence, go to:

http://conference.humber.ca/accommodations_ls.html

The residence is a modest student residence, not a hotel, so participants who require a higher level of service should search out a number of available hotels in the area.

Can I bring along a spouse or friend?

See the residence web site for the fee for an extra person. Friends and spouses may attend only evening events. Daytime events are for workshop participants only.

How do I know who my writing instructor will be?

When you apply, you list your top four choices of instructor in order of preference. The placement committee tries to give you the instructor you choose, but reserves the right to make the best match possible. The placement committee takes into consideration availability, class size, writing style, and other concerns. You will be informed of instructor placement before arrival.

Can I change writing instructor once the week begins or have more than one instructor?

Unfortunately not.

How do I apply for scholarships and what are my chances?

Scholarships are awarded on a combination of writing ability, as demonstrated in the writing sample, and need. Many more students apply than funds can cover. Students must declare their request for a scholarship in their cover letter, and supply documentation of financial need. Documentation might include a photocopy of the last page of last year's tax return, a copy of receipt of social assistance, a copy showing student debt, or some equivalent. No late applicants will be considered for scholarships, as these are awarded first and the funds are allotted shortly after deadline.

Most general scholarships, such as the Dr. Robert Gordon, Timothy Findley / William Whitehead, Mary-Jo Morris and Ben Labovitch are open to all applicants. However, a certain number of specific scholarships apply only to particular groups. If you would like to apply for one of these, you should name it in your cover letter, using a sentence such as this: "Please consider me for all general scholarships, and the X scholarship, for which I qualify". In 2010, they are the following:

Dr. Robert Gordon Scholarship: ($500 - 1 or $250 - 2)

Timothy Findley/William Whitehead: ($500 - 1 or $250 - 2)

Mary-Jo Morris: ($500 - 1 or $250 - 2)

Ben Labovitch: ($500 - or $250 - 2)

Kobzar Writer’s Scholarship ($949) is offered by the Shevchenko Foundation and awarded annually to a Canadian writer with an advanced manuscript on a Ukrainian Canadian theme. This full tuition scholarship is intended to assist the writer to complete his/her work for publication. The theme can be presented in one of several categories: poetry, young readers’ fiction, fiction, plays or non-fiction.

Wayson Choy Scholarship ($949) is intended for emerging Gay writers of Asian origin writing on any theme.

Jean-Marc Iammatteo Scholarship ($500)
This scholarship is awarded by the family of the late Jean-Marc Iammatteo and is intended for a writer 30 years of age, or younger. Please declare yourself eligible in your cover letter if you intend to apply.

What should I bring?

Everything we send to you in the registration package, which should include map, agenda, parking pass, etc. The weather is often quite warm at that time of year, so dress lightly but bring along something to wear in case the air conditioning is too cool. Participants must walk between buildings, so an umbrella is useful. A laptop is convenient, but not required: pens and paper are. The days can be long, so dress casually and comfortably.

How big are the classes?

Classrooms are limited to twelve students, though they frequently contain five or six. Lectures and panels take place at the Assembly Hall in a large group, usually 90 - 130 people.

What time, exactly, does each day begin and end?

Weekend days begin at 10 AM and weekday classes begin at 9:30 AM. Most days should end by 5 PM, excluding optional Saturday and Wednesday evening activities. The Friday closing banquet should be over by 3:30 PM.

How far is the airport?

Both campus and airport are in the West end of Toronto. Taxi fare should run about $50. A city bus is available at the airport. This bus travels to the Kipling station where a southbound Kipling bus can be picked up. Total travel time is about 60 minutes outside rush hours. Be sure to have exact fare of $3.00, as buses do not give change.

Should I stay in the residence even though I live in Toronto or have friends who can put me up?

Some students choose to stay in residence with the idea of building networks and saving on travel time. This can be a good strategy, but nobody should feel obligated to stay in residence. Typically, about a third of our students do.

What is the food like?

Lunches are catered by the college and always provide a varied menu including vegetables. Meals are good, but participants with strict dietary requirements or gourmet tastes may find them too mainstream.

What is the neighbourhood like?

The area used to be working class, but is slowly being gentrified due to the proximity of the lake. Fine dining is not readily available in the area. In addition to fish and chips and diner (the Greek Texan just West of the residence) local restaurants include German and Polish delis, Lebanese, Thai, pizza, and Indian, all within a ten-minute walk. As lunches are provided, the restaurants are really only useful to those staying in residence and to those reading on Wednesday night.

How far apart are the various venues?

Everything takes place at the Lakeshore Campus and adjoining Assembly Hall. The classrooms are about 200 metres away from the cafeteria, which is several hundred metres away from the Assembly Hall. The residence is on the West side of the campus, about 500 metres away. All venues are wheelchair accessible.

What accommodation do you have for special needs?

The special needs office does not function during the summer. All sites are wheelchair accessible. For particular special needs, please enquire.

Should I read the work of my instructor?

The more familiar you are with your instructor's work, the better. Books by speakers and instructors will be available for sale in the bookstore.

When does the 2010 workshop take place?

Saturday, July 10 - Friday, July 16, 2010.

Who should I call if I still have questions?

Either Antanas Sileika
(Antanas.Sileika@Humber.ca  - 416-675-6622 ext. 3448) or
Hilary Higgins
(Hilary.Higgins@Humber.ca - 416-675-6622 ext. 3449)