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uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA
@uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
230 followers 370 following 58 posts
The official page of the University of Guelph Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, located at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto, Canada.

Website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/arts/cwmfa
Linktree: linktr.ee/uguelphcwmfa
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uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Lisa Richter, a graduate of the University of Guelph’s MFA in Creative Writing program, will soon be on tour for her poetry collection SUBLUNARY (University of Alberta Press)! She has readings and events scheduled across Canada this spring, beginning with a stop in Toronto on April 9.
[Image description: A promotional graphic titled “Sublunary Book Tour” with a blue-to-yellow gradient background. On the left is the cover of Sublunary by Lisa Richter, featuring an abstract image of a dark, mask-like face against a yellow and blue landscape. On the right is a list of tour dates and locations including Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, and Hamilton, as well as an online launch and conference appearance. Logos for University of Alberta Press and poets.ca appear at the bottom.]
February 12, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Reposted by University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA
davidnaimon.bsky.social
Don't miss today's conversation—recorded live at @powells.bsky.social, in downtown Portland, Oregon—with poet Canisia Lubrin about The World After Rain
milkweed.org/between-the-...
@silver-press.bsky.social @catapultbooks.bsky.social
@uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Milkweed Live : Canisia Lubrin : The World After Rain | Milkweed Editions
Canisia Lubrin returns to Between the Covers for a live conversation in downtown Portland, at Powell’s Bookstore, about her latest poetry collection The World After Rain. A private book, that Canisia ...
milkweed.org
February 11, 2026 at 8:06 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Congratulations to Sheung-King, an alumnus of the University of Guelph’s MFA in Creative Writing, on the paperback release of #BATSHITSEVEN (Penguin Canada)!
[Image description: The cover of BATSHIT SEVEN by Sheung-King. A hand holds a bright yellow custard tart against a vivid pink-to-orange gradient background. A lit cigarette is pressed into the custard. The title appears in bold purple lettering at the top, and the author’s name appears in large yellow type at the bottom. Award seals from The Globe and Mail and the Writers’ Trust of Canada are visible on the cover.]
February 4, 2026 at 9:55 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Program Coordinator and Plenary Course Instructor #CanisiaLubrin is currently on tour for #THEWORLDAFTERRAIN, with upcoming events across the U.S., including readings and conversations in Portland, Claremont, and Los Angeles. We’re pleased to share this exciting news!
[Image description: A promotional graphic with a deep blue, rain-textured background. On the left is the book cover for The World After Rain by Canisia Lubrin, featuring a blue-toned design with an arched shape and rainfall imagery. On the right is a black-and-white portrait of the author. Text reads “Canisia Lubrin on Tour” and lists event dates and locations: February 3 at Powell’s Bookstore in Portland, Oregon (in conversation with David Naimon); February 4 at Literary Arts Bookstore in Portland, Oregon; February 9 at Scripps College in Claremont, California; and February 10 at Skylight Books in Los Angeles, California. The Soft Skull Press logo appears at the bottom.]
February 3, 2026 at 2:51 AM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Congratulations to #margaretchristakos, recipient of the #2025NelsonBallPrize for #THATAUDIBLESLIPPAGE!

Margaret Christakos is an instructor and MFA supervisor in the Creative Writing program at the University of Guelph. We’re proud to celebrate this recognition of her work.
[Image description: A formal award announcement graphic bordered in gold. At the top is the logo for “nbp — The Nelson Ball Prize.” The text reads: “The 2025 Nelson Ball Prize is awarded to Margaret Christakos for That Audible Slippage (University of Alberta Press, 2024). This prize goes to a publication by a Canadian poet that features poetry of observation. Presented in January 2026 by the Nelson Ball Prize Committee in memory of Nelson Ball, 1942–2019.”]
January 31, 2026 at 8:53 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
You won’t want to miss CRAFT BITES INTERNATIONAL, a cross-border conversation connecting #playwrights in Canada and Denmark. This edition features #HannahFoulger (a UofG CWMFA alumna) alongside playwright Laura Madsen, in a discussion focused on craft, process, and writing across national contexts.
[Image description: A promotional graphic titled “Craft Bites International: Connecting Playwrights Across Borders.” The design features a beige and purple background with a world map connecting Canada and Denmark. On the left is a portrait of Hannah Foulger labeled “Canada,” and on the right is a photo of Laura Madsen labeled “Denmark.” Event details read “February 2, 2026 | 1 PM ET” and “February 2, 2026 | 7 PM CEST.” Logos for the Playwrights Guild of Canada, Danske Dramatikere, and multiple arts councils appear along the bottom.]
January 29, 2026 at 6:35 AM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
#BECALMING, the second novel by #AgaMaksimowska, an alumna of the MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Guelph, will be published by Rare Machines on April 14, 2026.
[Image description: A book cover set against a blue, cloud-filled background. The cover of BECALMING by Aga Maksimowska features soft horizontal bands of pale blue and white, resembling sky and light. The title “becalming” appears in lowercase letters, with “a novel” beneath it. The author’s name appears at the bottom. Text above the book reads “PRE-ORDER NOW,” and below it reads “Out April 14, 2026.” The Rare Machines logo appears at the bottom of the image.]
January 26, 2026 at 8:55 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
We’re pleased to share this upcoming Hamilton Literary Awards Reading and Discussion at Sharp Words, featuring the 2025 award winners in conversation about their work and the city that shaped it.

The reading includes University of Guelph course instructor Gary Barwin.

We hope to see you there!
[Descriptive text: Promotional poster for the Hamilton Literary Awards Reading and Discussion at Sharp Words. The poster lists the date as January 31, 2026, with the event taking place from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Bridgeworks in Hamilton. It includes a description of the event and six author portraits arranged in two rows. The Sharp Words and Supercrawl logos appear at the top, along with text noting books, magazines, comics, zines, author panels, and free entry.]
January 23, 2026 at 3:42 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
We’re delighted to share that #CanisiaLubrin, faculty member and Program Coordinator of the Guelph MFA in Creative Writing, is the featured presenter for the Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture Series.
[Descriptive text: Promotional poster for the Sir Derek Walcott Memorial Lecture Series featuring Professor Canisia Lubrin. The design includes a circular portrait of Lubrin wearing glasses and a black jacket, set against a blue and orange background. Text highlights the lecture title An Listwa Manmay San Liv (“A History of Children Without Books”), the event date and time, and notes that the lecture will be streamed live.]
January 20, 2026 at 2:39 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
#ADOORISTOOPEN, a new book by #KyoMaclear with illustrations by #JulieMorstad, is available for preorder and will be out on 12/5/26 with Tundra Books. Kyo is a course instructor in the University of Guelph MFA in Creative Writing, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this upcoming publication!
[Descriptive text: A soft, pastel-toned graphic featuring the book cover for A DOOR IS TO OPEN. The cover shows a series of layered doorframes in muted colours, with a small figure peeking through a bright red open door at the centre. Text at the top reads “Available for preorder,” and text at the bottom reads “Out 12/05/26.”]
January 16, 2026 at 2:19 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Congratulations to Guelph MFA alum #LisaRichter, who has been selected as the #SaskatchewanWritersGuild’s Winter 2026 Virtual Writer-in-Residence!

Lisa will work one-to-one with writers outside Saskatchewan’s major cities, offering mentorship and editorial support across genres.
[Image description: A head-and-shoulders portrait of Lisa Richter outdoors in autumn. She has dark hair with straight bangs and wears a patterned red scarf and dark coat. Fallen leaves and trees in warm fall colours blur softly in the background.]
January 15, 2026 at 11:56 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Congratulations to Guelph MFA alum Rebeccah Love on the premiere of #Fortescue, now streaming on #CBCGem!

The film explores female friendship, psychosis, metatheatre, and the male gaze. It includes performances from Kelsey Falconer, Preston Chelsea, and Tyson Coady. 🎥✨
[Image description: A still from Fortescue: a shirtless man in red shorts stands on a wooden dock by a calm lake, one arm raised overhead in a stretching pose. The water reflects the surrounding trees and sky, creating a quiet, symmetrical scene. The film title “Fortescue” appears across the dock.]
January 10, 2026 at 4:01 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
We’re excited to share that #THEUNRAVELLINGOFOU by @hollay.bsky.social, a graduate of the Guelph MFA, is now available for preorder and will be published on February 15, 2026 with Palimpsest Press. 📚✨
[Descriptive text: A promotional graphic announcing a book preorder. At the centre is the book cover for THE UNRAVELLING OF OU by Hollay Ghadery, featuring an illustrated sock puppet with buttons and yarn against a neutral background. The words “Available for Preorder” appear at the top of the image, and “Out 02/15/26” appears at the bottom.]
January 8, 2026 at 12:01 AM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Join us at The Caledonian for an evening of readings. We’re especially excited to cheer on Catherine Bush, Creative Writing MFA faculty member, reading alongside Teri Vlassopoulos, Alex Pugsley, and Barbara Radecki.

Come for the fiction, stay for the conversation (and maybe a martini or two).
[Image description: Bright yellow promotional poster for a Drunk Fiction reading. Large black text reads “Drunk Fiction” with the date “Jan 27” and time “6pm.” The venue is listed as The Caledonian, 856 College Street. A green martini glass illustration appears near the centre. At the top, text reads “New Year, New Round: Guest Host Heidi von Palleske.” Book covers are arranged along the bottom, including THE LOST QUEEN by Heidi von Palleske, LIVING EXPENSES by Teri Vlassopoulos, THE EDUCATION OF AUBREY MCKEE by Alex Pugsley, THE DARKHOUSE by Barbara Radecki, and SKIN by Catherine Bush.]
January 5, 2026 at 6:37 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Happy holidays from the University of Guelph MFA in Creative Writing! Thank you for being part of our community this year. We look forward to what’s ahead and can’t wait to see you next year. ✨🎄
[Descriptive text: A holiday-themed graphic with white snowflakes scattered across the background. At the top is the University of Guelph logo with “MFA CW.” Large red script text in the centre reads “Happy Holidays,” and below it, bold black text says “See you next year!”]
December 20, 2025 at 12:45 AM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
We’re proud to congratulate Guelph MFA candidate Madeeha Hashmi, winner of the 2025 Austin Clarke Prize in Fiction for her short story “Thousands of Longings Like These.” We’re thrilled to see her writing receive this well-deserved attention!
[Descriptive text: A two-slide graphic announcement from The Ex-Puritan. The first image shows a portrait of Madeeha standing outdoors, looking directly at the camera, overlaid with text reading “Announcing the Austin Clarke Prize in Literary Excellence. Fiction Winner: ‘Thousands of Longings Like These’ by Madeeha Hashmi.” The second image displays a quote block on a blue background praising the winning story and crediting Iryn Tushabe as the 2025 Fiction Judge, with The Ex-Puritan logo at the bottom.]
December 2, 2025 at 4:36 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Our last day of the semester was spent sharing a long table, good food, and conversation at Paradise Café on Bloor. Here’s to rest, writing, and the work ahead! 📚✨
A large group of MFA students sit around a long wooden table at Paradise Café, smiling toward the camera. Plates, drinks, and cutlery are scattered across the table. Another wide shot of the group seated at the same long table, taken from the opposite end of the café. Students smile and lean toward the camera. Natural light from large front windows brightens the space.
November 28, 2025 at 10:13 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Course instructor and MFA faculty member @cleung.bsky.social’s forthcoming novel #WONDERLANDROAD is now available for preorder and will be released on April 14, 2026. We’re proud to share news of her latest work and look forward to celebrating its debut! 📚✨
[Image description: A promotional graphic featuring the book cover of WONDERLAND ROAD by Carrianne Leung. The background is a blurred, neon-lit cityscape in shades of blue and pink. At the top, large text reads “AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER.” The book cover shows a row of streetlights glowing against a teal and pink sky, with silhouetted leaves hanging above. Below the cover, the text reads “OUT 14/04/26.”]
November 23, 2025 at 7:52 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Plenary instructor and program coordinator Canisia Lubrin will be appearing on Bookends with Mattea Roach this Sunday to discuss her new book, THE WORLD AFTER RAIN. You won’t want to miss it! ✨☔️📚
[Image description: A promotional graphic for Bookends with Mattea Roach. At the top, the text reads “This Sunday on… BOOKENDS with MATTEA ROACH.” Below, a framed photo shows Canisia Lubrin standing beside Mattea Roach. Canisia wears a black cap that says “Poetry,” dark glasses, and a zip-up jacket. Mattea wears round glasses, an and a striped shirt. At the bottom left is an image of the book cover for THE WORLD AFTER RAIN, a textured blue design with a pale arch. A gold banner on the right reads “The World After Rain by Canisia Lubrin.”]
November 21, 2025 at 11:19 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of the University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA are now open. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. Learn more about the program, faculty, and application process at tinyurl.com/uofgcwmfa.
[Image description: A promotional graphic with a beige patterned background made up of scattered, semi-transparent letters in various sizes. At the top is the U of G logo with the text “MFA CW.” Below, in large black lettering, it reads: “FALL 2026 APPLICATION DEADLINE:” followed by a gold banner that reads “DECEMBER 1, 2025.” At the bottom, black text reads: “Learn more at tinyurl.com/uofgcwmfa.”]
November 16, 2025 at 2:14 AM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
MFA alum Alya Somar (Class of 2024) will be reading at the Thrive Art Exhibit in downtown Toronto on November 29, part of a three-day celebration of Indo-Caribbean artists featuring film, visual art, author readings, and more.

Tickets at tinyurl.com/thrivetoronto.
[Image description: A promotional graphic for the Thrive Art Exhibit in Toronto features a red background with the word “Thrive” in large, white, handwritten-style font and “Art Exhibit” in smaller outlined letters below it. At the top right, a red banner reads “Toronto.” Below, there is a circular photograph of Alya Somar, a Guelph MFA alum, in a cream-colored sweater, standing in front of vibrant autumn foliage. The text beneath the image reads: “Reading with Guelph MFA Alum Alya Somar. November 29 | 1:00 PM | 1357 Dundas St. W.” The bottom line adds, “More Info & Tickets at tinyurl.com/thrivetoronto.”]
November 10, 2025 at 11:23 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Current Guelph MFA candidate Em Dial has been longlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize! We are thrilled to celebrate this recognition of their work and presence in our writing community. Congratulations to Em and to all of the writers longlisted this year.
Image description: A graphic from the CBC Poetry Prize announcing the longlist. The background is dark with small stars and teal design elements. Circular portrait photos of the longlisted poets are arranged in three rows, each labeled with their names. Em Dial’s black-and-white headshot appears in the second row on the far left, showing them smiling.
November 5, 2025 at 5:37 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Some of our favourite moments at TIFA this past weekend!
[Image description: A collage of five photos from the Toronto International Festival of Authors. One shows students seated in a classroom listening to a speaker; another captures a panel of writers onstage under blue lighting; another shows Canisia Lubrin in conversation during her book launch; another shows a second panel of writers; and one shows MFA students smiling as they walk down the steps of Victoria College.]
November 3, 2025 at 5:27 PM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
Students from the University of Guelph MFA in Creative Writing attended #TheAlchemyLecture at York University.

We’re proud that our program coordinator and plenary instructor, Canisia Lubrin, was among this year’s featured speakers, alongside Glen Coulthard, Madeleine Thien, and Immanuel Wilkins.
[Image description: A group of smiling University of Guelph MFA students pose together in front of a red wall with white text arranged in circular patterns. The group includes nine people dressed in fall clothing, standing closely and facing the camera.]
October 31, 2025 at 3:21 AM
uguelphcwmfa.bsky.social
We’re thrilled to celebrate MFA alum @teresempierre.bsky.social at the launch of #AsSTHEEARTHDREAMS!

The event takes place Thursday, November 13 at Harlem Restaurant (745 Queen Street West) and features Zalika Reid-Benta, Chinelo Onwualu, Trynne Delaney, Terese Mason Pierre, and DJ Myles.
[Image description: A vibrant poster with neon pink and blue text reading “AS THE EARTH DREAMS Book Launch.” Behind the text is an illustration of a glowing beetle. The event details appear below: “Thursday, November 13. Doors @ 6 | Event @ 7. 745 Queen Street West.” Featuring Zalika Reid-Benta, Chinelo Onwualu, Trynne Delaney, Terese Mason Pierre, and DJ Myles. Logos of partner organizations appear at the bottom.]
October 26, 2025 at 3:49 PM