Every year, the Department of English and Cultural Studies collaborates with the McMaster Library and the Hamilton Public Library to host a writer as the Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer in Residence, usually for eight months. The residency invites a well-published Canadian author to work at the Hamilton Public Library and on the McMaster Main Campus to mentor creative writers from the University and from the Hamilton community.
The Writer in Residence works closely with individual writers, providing feedback on submissions in one-on-one meetings and helping with creativity and revision. Writers in Residence also contribute to public outreach by making class visits to university, college, high school and community classes, and participating in workshops. Resident writers give public readings from their work and help the Department of English and Cultural Studies maintain lively contact with the Hamilton writing community.