Indigenous writers encouraged to apply for the Audible Indigenous Writers’ Circle

May 31, 2022 Nataliya Radke Arts, Literature

Until May 31, 2022, the Audible Indigenous Writers’ Circle is now accepting applications! We spoke with indigenous authors Samantha Krilow and Angela Sterritt to learn more.

Audible Indigenous Writers' Circle. Courtesy of Audible Canada, Twitter.
The Audible Indigenous Writers’ Circle is accepting applications until May 31, 2022. Courtesy of Audible Canada, Twitter.

This is the program’s second year helping emerging indigenous writers elevate their writing and stories while establishing vital connections in the literary world. Writers can expect to hone their writing skills and establish one-of-a-kind industry connections, including direct support from Audible on how to promote their work and opportunities within the company.

“Being accepted into this program opened up a lot of possibilities for me and made me feel like I had a future in the literary world.”

Surrey local and past participant Samantha Krilow speaks fondly of the Writers’ Circle, noting how “[the] program opened up a lot of possibilities for me and made me feel like I had a future in the literary world.”

IWC Samantha Krilow, courtesy of Proof Strategies
For readers looking for indigenous book recommendations, Surrey local and participant in the 2021 Writers’ Circle Samantha Krilow recommends “The Marrow Thieves” by Cherie Dimaline, “Son of a Trickster” by Eden Robinson, and “Five Little Indians” by Michelle Good. Courtesy of Proof Strategies.

Krilow continues, “this program helped me to incorporate my indigeneity into my writing and become an indigenous writer. […] It really made the literary world less lonely and more accessible to…indigenous writers.”

Open to First Nations, Inuit, and METIS writers, the Indigenous Writers’ Circle is a six-month program where applicants work closely with award-winning indigenous mentors throughout their creative process. Applicants also benefit from immersive workshops featuring the industry’s leading creators, publishers, content managers, writers, and marketers.

“[As a mentor,] I hope that some of my skills…can help to provide [writers] with teachings about the crafts, but also about the journey along the way and being able to feel safe to have a voice in the process.”

Program mentors include the multi-award-winning and Vancouver-based journalist, author, and artist, Angela Sterritt. With a background from the Gitanmaax community of the Gitxsan Nation and Bell Island Newfoundland, Sterritt is currently an investigative reporter at CBC Vancouver and is in production for the CBC original podcast Land Back.

IWC IWC Angela Sterritt (credit Farah Nosh)
Vancouver-based author and journalist Angela Sterritt recommends Katherena Vermette’s book “The Break” for its exploration of the deep complexities of Indigenous people. Photo by Farah Nosh, courtesy of Proof Strategies.

When asked why she became a mentor for the Writers’ Circle, “I hope that some of my skills in writing and hosting podcasts as well as writing a book can help to provide [writers] with teachings about the crafts, but also about the journey along the way and being able to feel safe to have a voice in the process.”

Sterritt remembers how “the broadcasting world was much different 20 years ago, not just in terms of the platforms we now have access to, but in our ability to share our stories from a deeply indigenous point of view — something that I was told to push down in the past.”

There is no cost to join the program and writers are eligible for a $1,500 bursary to support their participation. Applicants must self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, and/or METIS, and submit a short personal statement and sample of prior work.

For more information, click here.