As a writer, journalist, playwright and filmmaker, Mark Leiren-Young is no stranger in how to get exposure for his work.
And now as the City of Richmond’s latest Writer in Residence he is planning on sharing his experience with writers — both young and old — as today’s digitally connected world has made the stage to present their work even bigger.
“The big thing is that my background is very eclectic, so I can answer a lot of questions about a lot of different kinds of writing,” Leiren-Young said. “I write plays, movies, TV shows, as well as books and magazine articles. So, I am comfortable talking to people about whatever kind of writing they want to do.”
While he is available to all, Leiren-Young, whose work includes earning a Leacock Medal of Humour winner for his book Never Shoot a Stampede Queen and episodes of the animated kids’ series The Transformers, said he is especially looking forward to working with aspiring, young writers.
“I am game to be able to talk to them about all the different ways writers can make a living,” he said, “because so many of the traditional ones have vanished.”
But while those paying jobs in writing have become scarce, access to audiences has never been greater.
“Everyone, it seems, is writing these days,” Leiren-Young said. “Everybody has an audience. It’s fascinating.”
Growing up, Leiren-Young said he’d wished there was more information available to him about the avenues writers could pursue.
“I think being able to be exposed to people who do this stuff for a living makes your realize you could do it for a living, too,” he said.
“I wish I’d known people wrote for TV and film in Canada when I was starting out. I had no idea. I thought that if you wanted do that you had to be American.
“It didn’t even occur to me until I stumbled into it.”
This is not completely unknown territory for Leiren-Young. He has just completed a stint as writer in residence for Vancouver Community College.
“I was really surprised how much I enjoyed the experience, so when this came up, I said to myself, ‘I’ve got to figure this out.’”
Topping his list was being able to help new writers. “It’s great when your own experiences can be helpful to somebody else,” he said. “I was surprised at how inspiring I found it.”
Kicking off his two-month stint there will be a special Residency Launch Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Cultural Centre, Performance Hall (7700 Minoru Gate).
Readers and writers will be able to enjoy short readings, hear about Leiren-Young’s writing career and learn about the free programs he will present during his term.
The programs include Telling Your Story–Older Adults, Telling Your Story–ESL, Writing as a Career–Youth, Words Online–Adults, Words Online– Youth, and Manuscript Consultations.
The launch event is open to the public and followed by a short reception with light refreshments. Space is limited, so RSVP by calling 604-276-4300 or visit richmond.ca/register and quote course #653858.
