PEN would like to thank Patrick Crean for leading a writing workshop this past weekend with our Writers in Exile.
Seventeen writers took part in the workshop, each an immigrant to Canada having fled persecution in their homeland. Together, they represent over 10 countries.
Patrick is a renowned editor, and known for publishing original voices, fine writing, and uncommon ideas. He has worked with hundreds of authors including Esi Edugyan, Austin Clarke, Zsuzsi Gartner, Melanie Little, Caroline Adderson, Rachel Giese, Sarah Selecky, Larissa Lai, Greg Hollingshead, Leon Rooke, Jack Hodgins, David Gilmour, and Mark Anthony Jarman, among many others.
These writing workshops are an opportunity for the Writers in Exile to hone their skills and establish connections as they rebuild lives anew in Canada. Many of them have been displaced from their homelands, fleeing extraordinary hardship, including threats of violence, imprisonment, torture and death.
These activities are also made possible because of PEN donors and volunteers, whose dedication make such a difference to PEN’s impact and reach. Thank you.
And to the Writers in Exile, we’ll see you at the next workshop!
