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Thompson-Nicola Regional Library selects its first Writer In Residence

The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) announced on Aug, 29, the appointment of mystery author Deryn Collier as its first Writer in Residence.
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The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) announced on Aug, 29, the appointment of mystery author Deryn Collier as its first Writer in Residence.

The Writer in Residence program is designed to encourage the development of the written arts in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), connect readers and writers, and provide the Writer with time, space, and resources to work on their own writing projects.

“I am delighted that Deryn Collier will be the Library’s first Writer in Residence,” says Judy Moore, Chief Librarian of the TNRL. “Her superb writing, passion for mentoring others in the writing process, and creative approach in connecting with residents across our diverse region will lay a strong foundation for the TNRL’s first residency.”

Collier grew up in Ottawa and Montreal and is a graduate of McGill University. She is the author of Confined Space and Open Secret, both set-in-the-Kootenays mystery novels published by Simon and Schuster Canada. Confined Space was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award for best first crime novel by the Crime Writers of Canada, and was the One Book One Kootenay selection of the Kootenay Library Federation. She is currently at work on a new series of mysteries set in Montreal in 1947, in which she turns one of her ancestors into a fictional sleuth.

“I am honoured to have been selected as the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library’s first Writer in Residence”, says Collier. “My own writing mentors were invaluable to me early in my career and I am excited to have the opportunity to mentor new and aspiring writers in the Thompson-Nicola region. I’m looking forward to spending time in and around Kamloops, and working with the library to offer dynamic writing workshops and presentations this fall.”

Her term as the Writer in Residence will run from Sept. 16 to Dec. 15, during which she will spend half her time providing assistance to other writers and half her time working on her own personal writing projects. Local writers across the TNRD will have an opportunity to seek Collier’s advice on their manuscripts and take part in her workshops and public readings.

Collier will also be featured as a guest author at the Words Alive Kamloops festival for readers and writers taking place Sept. 20 – 22, 2019. Words Alive Kamloops is presented by the Kamloops Society for the Written Arts.

Learn more about Deryn at http://www.deryncollier.com.

If you have any questions about the Writer in Residence program, please contact the TNRL at: questions@tnrd.ca.