Mountain Writers Intensive is a three-week residency for eight writers working on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with an environmental theme. Writers can work in any genre (fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry), and will enjoy dedicated, uninterrupted writing time in a spectacular mountain setting, the communality of a small group of artistic peers and support from renowned faculty.
This program overlaps with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival where visiting authors, editors, and publishers will offer inspiration.
In the niche genre of mountain literature, the journey of self-exploration and the psychology of extreme endeavours is as much a focus as the physical accomplishments involved. This program will emphasize literary quality and the development of narrative. Writers will be encouraged to meet regularly with faculty and other writing participants to share work and projects for review.
During this program writers will take part in scheduled workshops with faculty and guests to:
- explore and learn the elements of a strong narrative.
- hear topics related to mountain and wilderness writing.
- receive feedback on unfinished work from faculty.
- share best practices and ideas with other participants.
Writers will have access to uninterrupted writing time and a personal studio space.
The program is designed to cater to emerging and established writers in all genres— fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essay, history, biography, and memoir—working on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with an environmental theme.
Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. The program suits those focused on:
- working on a specific project.
- creating new works.
This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.
Application Deadline: May 28, 2025
Program Dates: Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/4h1Yw2P
Any personal information provided in a request to post a listing on the AFA newsfeed, or in the listing itself, will be used for the purpose of posting to the AFA’s newsfeed, administering the AFA’s website and providing individuals and organizations with information on AFA programs and events. Such information is collected under the authority of section 33 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is protected by the privacy provisions of the Act. Should you have any questions about the collection of this information, you may contact Aaron Talbot, Arts Services Consultant – Communications, at 780-289-3781.
If you would like to share arts opportunities, events, or other community arts news through the AFA website, please submit a story using the form below. New posts are featured on the front page of the AFA website, and staff will typically publish new posts within a week.
Please follow instructions closely, especially those related to publishing an image, for quicker turnaround time. (Don't forget to provide details like deadline dates, contact information, time of event or address, or website where folks can find more information.)
By submitting a post to be published on the AFA website, you are agreeing to the AFA's Terms of Use.