2022-23 Writers in Residence
Amanda Leduc and Kateryna Babkina are the 2022-23 Mabel Pugh Taylor Writers in Residence, in which established authors mentor creative writers from the Hamilton community.
About the Local Writer in Residence, Amanda Leduc
Amanda Leduc is a writer and author of the non-fiction book Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, And Making Space, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Governor General’s Award in Non-Fiction and longlisted for the 2020 Barbellion Prize. She is also the author of the novel The Miracles Of Ordinary Men and The Centaur’s Wife. Her essays and stories have appeared in publications across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. She speaks regularly across North America on accessibility and the role of disability in storytelling. Amanda has cerebral palsy and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. The Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence program is led by McMaster University’s Department of English and Cultural Studies in partnership with McMaster University Library and Hamilton Public Library. It is supported by the Taylor family.
About International Writer in eResidence, Kateryna Babkina
Kateryna Babkina is a Ukrainian poet, prose writer, columnist, screenwriter and playwright. She's the author of four poetry collections (Lights of Saint Elm; The Mustard, Painkillers and Sleeping Pills; Charmed for Love; Does Not Hurt), a novel (Sonia), and two collections of stories (Lilu After You; Happy Naked People). She has also written three books for kids (The Pumpkin Year; The Hat and the Whale; The Snowheat) and a fourth book (Girls Power) co-authored with Mark Livin. There are several short movies based on her stories. Babkina is currently living in London, England with her mother and daughter during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The International Writer in e-Residence is supported by McMaster University’s Office of the Provost, McMaster’s Department of English and Cultural Studies, McMaster University Library, and Hamilton Public Library.
Amanda’s Office Hours:
September to December 2022
Mondays: Virtual by appointment
9am-5pm
Fridays at McMaster University
In-person by appointment
9am-5pm
January to April 2023
Mondays: Virtual by appointment
9am-5 pm
Fridays at Central Library
In-person by appointment
9am- 5pm
Email Amanda: englwir@mcmaster.ca to schedule an appointment.
Appointments with Kateryna are virtual.
Please complete this online form to set up a support session.
Meet Kateryna Babkina, 2022-23 International Writer in E-Residence:
Watch Amanda Leduc discuss her latest book, The Centaur's Wife, with author Gary Barwin:
