Hiromi Goto New SFU Writer-in-Residence

SFU has announced that Hiromi Goto will be Writer-in-Residence from September 2008 to May 2009. Hiromi is an important and insurgent voice in Canadian literature, with great depth of experience as fiction writer, cultural critic, arts advocate, youth organizer, and teacher of creative writing. Her first novel, Chorus of Mushrooms, was the 1995 recipient of the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize for Best First Book, Canada and Caribbean Region, and the co-winner of the Canada-Japan Book Award. Her most recent book, Hopeful Monsters, is a collection of short stories released by Arsenal Pulp Press, and her latest young adult novel, Half World, will be published by Penguin Canada in 2009.
During her time at SFU, Hiromi will both focus on her own writing and engage in a series of activities and events. The Writer-in-Residence program provides the opportunity to interested creative writers to consult with a professional writer for manuscript consultation and advice. It also makes available a safe space for youth to explore their creative literary potential, develop their writing skills and extend their appreciation for Canadian literature.
To book a consultation, call the Department of English at 778.782.3136. Appointments are 45 minutes each, on Wednesdays between 1:00 and 5:00pm, starting October 1st at the Burnaby campus. Appointments are for critical feedback and editorial advice on work that has been submitted at least one full week before (to Hiromi’s mailbox in the English Department). Please include a brief cover letter providing a little bio (writing background: student or working, stage in your writing– i.e. just beginning, have written for ten years but not taken workshops, etc.) as well as a brief mention of what kind of feedback you’re looking for: i.e. general feedback on overall story, or if you have a particular point you’re struggling with, i.e. pacing or character development or tone, etc. Maximum pages (double-spaced) are 8 for poetry, and 15 for fiction/non-fiction. Students and the general public are welcome.

Sponsored by the Writer-in-Residence Program with funding assistance from the Canada Council, the Office of the President, and the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, Simon Fraser University.