Writer in Residence

2025-2026 Writer in Residence: Norma Dunning

The RPL Writer in Residence program provides the unique opportunity for members of the community to receive advice and assistance from an established Canadian writer. 

Norma Dunning is the 2025-2026 Writer in Residence. She is a prolific, multi-genre author of five books, with three more on the way. She received the Governor General's Literary Award in 2021 for her short story collection, Tainna: The Unseen Ones  and the Danuta Gleed Award from the Writers' Union of Canada in 2018 for Annie Muktuk and Other Stories. As a Padlei Inuk author, she often writes about her lived experience and cultural memories. She currently teaches at the First Nations' University of Canada.

"I'm excited to meet, mentor, and motivate the many amazing people who are working on their writing," Norma said. "During my time at RPL, my aim is to broaden the visibility and talent of local writers through workshops and events in all genres of writing." 

Explore Writer in Residence programs.

Learn more about Norma in her introductory blog post!

Norma's office hours are:

Monday: 9:30 - 2:00 PM

Tuesday: 3:00 - 7:00 PM

Saturday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM (excluding the first Saturday of every month)

Or, contact Norma for an appointment at wir@reginalibrary.ca.

About the Program

The Writer in Residence offers one-to-one assistance with personal writing projects, as well as public readings, literary activities, school and community visits, and programs that focus on serving and supporting the writing community in Regina. 

The Writer in Residence assists writers by providing:

• Writing advice and suggestions
• Encouragement and support
• Insight and assistance with all publishing phases: from research, to writing the first draft to publication
• A professional critique of their work

Find more about the Writer in Residence application process.