Alexis Marie Chute named EPL’s new writer-in-residence

Edmonton Public Library (EPL) just named their new writer-in-residence, Alexis Marie Chute. EPL’s writer-in-residence hosts monthly events, public readings, and manuscript consultations. Overall, they foster community within the writing scene in Edmonton. And Chute, as an award-winning artist, filmmaker, producer, photographer, and of course, bestselling author, is set to bring her experience into the role. 

Chute said that for her, the position is very meaningful. “I’ve wanted to be in this role for a long time. I feel like it is an amazing opportunity to connect with other like-minded writers. And to give back in a super meaningful way.”

One thing she pointed out was the isolation in the writing community, and how she wants to get people together. “We’re very isolated when we’re sitting at our computers typing. And so it’s a beautiful thing to create community though this role,” she said.

“I’ve been a writer as long as I can remember … being a part of the local writing community has always been something I’ve relished. I have so many dear friends that are also writers and it’s just magic when we come together. And I feel like I have gained so much personally by being a part of this local writing community. It’s such an honour to be able to pour back into it with all of my energy and attention this year.” 

“I really want to encourage that creating culture is even more powerful,” Chute says

Being EPL’s writer-in-residence isn’t the first time Chute has fostered community within the writing scene. She’s also a co-founder of Wild Skies Press, an independent Canadian publisher. She started it because she wanted to create more opportunities for new writers. “We all have unique experiences and important life revelations or stories that are just as important as anyone else’s. And I’m very passionate about giving people the opportunity who might not otherwise have the chance to get their book published. I want to give these people a platform to share their stories and to do so meaningfully and have an impact in the world.”

Uplifting libraries as part of the broader community is also a big part of it for Chute. “Libraries are the heartbeat of communities. I’ve also observed that libraries are not just where people go for books, but where they go to learn a new language, and where they have community building opportunities. Libraries are dynamic, living organisms. They thrive and breathe along with the community that surrounds them,” she explained. 

And she doesn’t just want to create opportunities for current writers, but she wants to foster an environment to get new people writing too. “It’s so easy to just be a consumer of culture right now. There’s so many different things that we can go and see on our phones, at the movies, and we can always be consumed. However, I really want to encourage that creating culture is even more powerful,” she explained. 

“When we write stories, create music, or are creative in any capacity there’s something magic that happens,” Chute said. “And it’s not just for us creators, but that magic goes out into the community and it’s something special.” 

Chute’s next event is Writer Gatherings on February 24.