MFA in Writing Mentor Spotlight: MEREDITH HAMBROCK

Recently, Kamryn Heavin, English Honours student and soon-to-be MFA in Writing graduate student, had a conversation with McNally Robinson 'Best Book of the Year' Author and MFA writing mentor, Meredith Hambrock.

A CONVERSATION WITH MEREDITH HAMBROCK

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I was really a lover of reading first, and films and television. When I learned I could get a degree in creative writing I was very focused and excited about it. I followed my passion for story and my curiosity about narrative into a career. I always wanted to live a passionate life and I’m lucky to have found a career that fits in this way.

How has your work in television impacted your work as a novelist?

Working in TV made me more of a professional. It demands a lot of the writer in meeting deadlines, coming up with ideas, finessing jokes, working as part of a team, networking... It's very much about putting your ego aside and getting the work done. That’s made me a more collaborative person, and a better teacher and mentor. It gave me a great foundation for serving the work first and to take myself out of it.

Do you find the writing community in Saskatoon different from other places where you’ve lived? How have you nurtured your connection to the community?

The writing community in Saskatoon is so relaxed, nurturing, and open. There's a ton of opportunities for writers at all stages of their careers and a lot of free or low-cost programming. The Writer in Residence program at SPL, book launches at McNally, all the programming put on by the Saskatchewan Writers' Guild, and so many other things I can't think of right now. If you want to be involved in the community here, it is easy, and that is really lovely.

I also love just getting to hear about what people are working on, to read their work, to see what people are thinking about, what they're up to. Even if the work doesn't go on to become published, there is so much value in creation. I'm always glad to bear witness to what other people devote their minds to. It’s a real gift.

What’s your favourite thing about being a mentor and teacher?

I love connecting with writers. Getting to be a part of a small community of writers inside of a workshop class, especially an in-person workshop class, is a special thing. Every course I've ever taught has stuck with me and the work of the writers in those classes does too.

What advice do you have for writers just starting out in Saskatoon?

Get out there and meet writers. Find your people! Make a writing group - the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild will give you funding. Create work but also show up, listen, volunteer, and use the resources available to you. The Writer in Residence program at the public library, the Indigenous Storyteller in Residence at USask, the SWG, Art Bar - there are so many avenues available to you.

Can you tell us more about your next project?

My next project is a literary horror novel loosely inspired by Rosemary's Baby about a young woman who might be possessed by her IUD. Hopefully coming out Fall 2027!

ABOUT MEREDITH HAMBROCK

Meredith Hambrock has worked in writing rooms on over 100 episodes of TV Comedy. She most recently served as Executive Story Editor on the sitcom “Corner Gas Animated.” In 2022, her episode “A Lot to Be Desired” was nominated for a Leo Award.

Meredith's debut mystery novel, “Other People's Secrets,” (Crooked Lane Books, 2022) was called “audacious” and “fabulous” by the New York Times Book Review and nominated for a Lefty Award in the Best Debut Mystery Category. Her second novel, “She's a Lamb!” (ECW Press, 2025) was named a Best Book of the Year at Indigo, Kobo, and McNally Robinson Bookstores.

Meredith holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and lives in Saskatoon. She is a mentor in the MFA in Writing program and has been a fiction writing instructor for USask’s Department of English.

ABOUT KAMRYN HEAVIN

Kamryn Heavin is a 4th year English Honors student who will begin the MFA in Writing program this fall.

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