For one term each academic year, the Department of English welcomes a writer in residence to engage in a range of literary events and to offer advice and mentorship to creative writing students. The program was initiated by Carolyn Smart in 2006 and featured, in that year, renowned dub poet Lillian Allen. Since that time, Queen鈥檚 has hosted a diverse array of literary artists working across genres and media.
2026 Writer-in-Residence: Ani Castillo
_0.jpg)
The English Literature and Creative Writing Department would like to welcome our 2026 Writer in Residence Ani Castillo
Ani is a Mexican-Canadian author, multi-disciplinary artist, and speaker
Selected Publications
Spark (2021)
With the whimsy of Oliver Jeffers, the accessibility of Todd Parr, and empowerment of Peter Reynolds, this crossover gift book invites readers to ponder and celebrate the magic of being alive.
Beginning with the birth of a baby, the story takes the reader on a journey through life, navigates the ups and downs, and culminates in a deeply satisfying sense of the wonder and awe in being human.
With a charming gift book trim size, a unique and inspiring message delivered in an artful, accessible package, Spark will strike a chord with both children and adults.
Ping (2019)
With the visual ingenuity of Press Here and the emotional resonance of What Do You Do with a Problem?, this wise and timely book about the fragile art of personal connection will strike a chord with children and adults alike.
In the era of social media, communication feels both more anxiety-producing, and more inescapable, than ever before. This clever, comforting picture book debut explores the challenges and joys of self-expression and social connection.
Using an imaginative visual metaphor to bring to life how we send out (ping!) and receive (pong!) communications, Ani Castillo鈥檚 words and pictures will empower and inspire anyone who has experienced the fear of sharing themselves with the world.
With an artful, accessible package, an eloquent message, and a lot of heart, here is a new classic to bring courage and comfort to humans of all ages.
Past Writers in Residence Since 2006
2024
francesca ekwuyasi
2023
Peter Midgley
2022
Omar El Akkad
2021
Kaie Kellogg
2019
Canisia Lubrin
2018
Catherine Hernandez
2017
Karen Solie
2015
Emily Pohl-Weary
2014
Steven Heighton
2013
Tim Wynne-Jones
2012
Diane Schoemperlen
2012
Phil Hall
2010
Stuart Ross
2009
Helen Humphreys
2008
Billeh Nickerson
