May 9 - 13, 2011
The School of Writing at CMU is on hiatus for 2012.
Who We Are
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| Michael Van Rooy, the administrator of the School of Writing at CMU, died on January 27 at the age of 42. His death was sudden. On a book tour in Montreal, he suffered a fatal heart attack. He will be sorely missed. We send our heartfelt prayers to Michael’s wife, Laura, and their three children. Michael was omnipresent on the Winnipeg literary scene as literary ambassador for Winnipeg, program coordinator for the Writers’ Collective, and publicist for Thin Air, the Winnipeg writers’ festival. He had published three crime novels for Turnstone, including his latest, A Criminal to Remember. He was a loyal and generous friend. Sue Sorensen, Director, School of Writing at CMU |
“It was my first time at the School and any nervousness was quickly dissolved by the warm environment. I’ve never learned so much in a week in my whole life. It has been such a rewarding season of growth not only as a writer but also personally. You have done an amazing job of pulling together the best of the best. This School is the writing equivalent of Julliard. Thank you for the gift of this week.”
Now in its fifth year, the School of Writing at CMU has helped hundreds of writers receive creative support and guidance. CMU’s inspiring campus, surrounded by parkland, combined with an atmosphere of encouragement and hospitality, provides a great environment for writers to get the confidence and experience they need. You will connect with other writers and work closely with respected, award-winning writing instructors.
“I appreciated the sense of release and the clarity of direction, and the honesty.”
The Director of the School of Writing at CMU is Associate Professor of English Sue Sorensen. An important part of the School, says Sorensen, is the Spring Literary Festival. “These are free evening readings that allow the general public to have contact with authors in an informal and personal way.” Guests at the Spring Literary Festival have included Tim Lilburn, Robert Kroetsch, Rudy Wiebe, Gail Bowen, Trevor Herriot, Joan Thomas, Di Brandt, David Bergen, Martha Brooks, Todd Davis, Armin Wiebe, and many more.
“I gained the ability to be aware.”
“The facilities are great. I appreciate the respect shown and expressed by everyone. I gained many very close friends and the courage to tell my stories.”
About CMU
Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a chartered Christian liberal arts university in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Over 2,000 students take one or more courses at its main campus in southwest Winnipeg, at Menno Simons College, its campus at the University of Winnipeg, or through Outtatown, its adventure and discipleship school.
For more information, contact the CMU School of Writing at SchoolofWriting@cmu.ca.
Mailing Address:
School of Writing at CMU
Canadian Mennonite University
500 Shaftesbury Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB
R3P 2N2