Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has partnered with Surrey Libraries to offer a series of creative writing workshops led by talented KPU alumni. These 90-minute workshops, designed for writers at all levels, provide an opportunity to explore creative writing, improve skills, and engage with a supportive community of fellow writers.
“Community building is at the heart of what we do in KPU’s Creative Writing Department,” says Jen Currin, creative writing instructor at KPU. “These library workshops are a great way for our alumni to share some of what they learned and connect with aspiring writers in Surrey.”
The workshops are led by KPU creative writing alumni, including Claire Matthews, an experienced writer and educator. Matthews graduated from KPU in 2012 with a major in history and a minor in creative writing, before completing a master’s degree at the University of B.C. Like many writers, her passion started at a young age.
“When I was a kid, before I actually knew how to write, I used to make little booklets with squiggles in them,” she says. “To me, that's what writing was — just a bunch of squiggles.”
Since then, Matthews’ squiggles have blossomed into a specialization in creative nonfiction and poetry — expertise that she eagerly shares in various community and academic settings.
“I love the energy of these workshops because they’re open to all kinds of people, whether they’re experienced or new to writing,” says Matthews. “It’s a community atmosphere, and people come as they are, which leads to some incredibly creative exchanges.”
Whether participants are working on a novel, a short story, or simply wish to explore the world of creative writing, Matthews emphasizes the importance of creativity in all aspects of life, especially for those in more technical careers.
“Writing is a way to tap into a different part of your brain and engage in creative problem-solving,” she explains. “It's about finding fulfillment and expression in a world that often focuses on logic and structure.”
Each workshop is free and open to the public, with a particular focus on writing memoir on April 9, poetry on May 14, and fiction on June 11. Attendees are encouraged to register for one or all of the sessions to explore their creative potential.
“We started the program because there was demand from Surrey residents who are either in the process of writing a book or thinking of starting one,” says Mariya Tokhtarova, Public Services Librarian at Surrey Libraries. “We’ve had many successful partnership initiatives with KPU in the past, and we are grateful for such an impactful collaboration.”
Visit the Surrey Libraries website to register.
KPU’s creative writing department offers students small class sizes and dedicated mentorship with award-winning instructors. Programs include a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Creative Writing, a Minor in Creative Writing, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Creative Writing.