Academics
Inspiring Creativity
Ms. Jennifer Manuel, an English teacher and Head of Indigenous Initiatives at Shawnigan, as well as the author of novels The Heaviness of Things That Float and The Morning Bell Brings the Broken Hearted and several books for younger readers, had the honour of serving as the Whistler Writer in Residence for a few weeks this fall.
The Whistler Writer-in-Residence Program is an annual initiative that is by invitation only. The Whistler Writers festival selects a writer to participate in the program. Like most residency programs, the concept is that the writer is given time to devote to their writing in order to move forward in a particular project, from their quarters in a small cabin on Alta Lake. In exchange, the writer gives back to the community through consultations with local writers, delivery of workshops, and public appearances and readings, thereby contributing to the cultural vitality of the local community. The program balances solitary creativity with collective inspiration, fostering a supportive and energizing environment for artistic growth.
The residency in Whistler provided a unique opportunity for established and emerging writers to immerse themselves in an inspiring creative retreat. Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Whistler, BC, this program offers an unparalleled combination of serene natural beauty and vibrant community engagement. The residency with Ms. Manuel sold out and there was a waiting list of participants. Ten participants spent time honing their craft through individual feedback sessions and group workshops. Additionally, Ms. Manuel participated at the Whistler Writers Festival on October 17-20, which attracted notable authors from across Canada.
The concept of a writer-in-residence program dates back to early 20th century Europe and North America, emerging as a way to support artists by providing them with dedicated time and space to focus on their creative work. These programs were often initiated by universities, cultural institutions, and municipalities to nurture the arts and integrate creative voices into academic or civic life. Beyond enabling writers to produce new works, these residencies are imbued with a reciprocal philosophy: writers benefit from the gift of solitude and inspiration, while the hosting institution or community gains access to the writer's expertise, insights, and artistic perspective.
Philosophically, writer-in-residence programs represent a mutual exchange between creation and community. They recognize the transformative power of storytelling and celebrate the idea that everyone has a unique voice worth cultivating. For the writers, the programs are often a rare pause in the relentless demands of daily life, allowing them to immerse deeply in their craft. For the communities, the presence of a writer enriches local culture, inspires creativity, and fosters a shared appreciation of the arts.
Ms. Manuel felt deeply honoured to serve as the Whistler Writer-in-Residence, a recognition of her contributions to Canadian literature and her unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling. As an educator at Shawnigan Lake School, Ms. Manuel instills in her students the belief that storytelling is a universal human endeavour. She emphasizes that everyone has a story to tell and the capacity to develop a compelling voice.
During her time in Whistler, Ms. Manuel found immense joy in working closely with other writers, sharing her expertise, and guiding them to discover their authentic voices. Her approach to mentorship, rooted in empathy and empowerment, mirrors the broader ideals of writer-in-residence programs: to nurture creative expression and build bridges between individuals and communities through the shared art of storytelling.
As for her own writing project, she made great progress on her next work, a young adult novel that is a modern retelling of Dante's Inferno.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
