Chelene Knight joins SFU Library as our 2024 Non-Fiction Writer in Residence for January - April 2024. We asked Chelene to answer some questions to introduce herself to SFU!
What attracted or interested you in the SFU Library Non-Fiction Writer in Residence program? What expertise and experience are you bringing that will inform your time as the writer in residence?
I really enjoy working closely with fellow writers, sharing my expertise, and offering my unique tools and resources. I approach this with mindfulness, being fully present, and I love teaching writers and other creatives how to improve their practice by connecting with their true selves in the moment.
The idea of becoming SFU’s writer in residence interested me because it's a great way to connect with a lively community of writers. Plus, having dedicated time to work on writing projects with SFU's support sounds fantastic.
What are you looking forward to over the course of this residency?
I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to lead my workshops because I believe I bring a distinctive facilitation style to the table. This style is rooted in my passion for assisting writers in questioning their own self-perceptions and pushing the boundaries of their potential. I'm genuinely thrilled about guiding creatives in shedding their limiting beliefs. I understand that this is no small feat, but it's crucial that we embrace the challenge of discovering our own unique superpowers. As I embark on this residency, I'm approaching it with boundless curiosity and enthusiasm.
This writer in residence program is focused on non-fiction writing, particularly on writing beyond academic audiences. Why do you think non-fiction writing for the public is an an important skill for students and researchers?
I don't see myself as an academic at all, and that's exactly why I believe I have a lot to contribute to the community. I'm here to encourage people to think in fresh and unconventional ways. Writing nonfiction for the general public holds immense value because it serves as an accessible pathway to meaningful conversations. When you can weave a compelling story, you can expand your audience and tap into the universal human connection that we all share through storytelling.
Can you talk about some non-fiction writing that you admire, or talk about a book or writer that has inspired you?
bell hooks has had a profound influence on me. Her book All About Love has been a guiding light, empowering me to confront my own limiting beliefs. This newfound perspective has ignited my journey in both writing and other aspects of life. It's through literature that we can cultivate a sense of community, where we're free to question and even challenge established works. It's in this process of growth and exploration that we truly thrive.
Is there anything else you’d like to share, or that you’d like the SFU community to know?
I'm dedicated to assisting people in discovering greater balance by embracing the art of letting go, gracefully saying no, and fully embracing the present moment. My most recent work, a non-fiction book titled Let It Go serves as a catalyst for these important discussions, and I'm genuinely excited to share it with the world!