Through the Writer in Residence (WIR) program, UFV’s English department welcomes one experienced Canadian author, per year, to campus. From January to April, students can book time to meet with the WIR to workshop their writing and discuss career goals.
In early November 2024, it was announced that this year’s WIR would be none other than Leanne Dunic. While currently working as a fiction editor for Tahoma Literary Review and a mentor at Simon Fraser University’s The Writer’s Studio, Dunic is also the leader of the cinematic indie rock band, The Deep Cove. Dunic has published work such as Salt Rich (2024), Wet (2024), and One and Half of You (2021). Her band’s discography includes albums The Gift (2019) and To Love the Coming End of the World (2017).
The Cascade sat down with Dunic to discuss what students can expect from UFV’s newest WIR. Dunic said that, while she’s always loved writing, it wasn’t always her plan to pursue it as a career.
“I started working in the music industry when I was 15, then I opened a few clothing stores when I was 20. So during these periods, I was focusing on other entrepreneurial endeavours and I wasn’t writing. But when I sold my store in 2009 I was like, I’m going to be a writer.”
Dunic claimed that while, for her, each writing project requires a different approach, the one thing they all have in common is a focus on her surroundings.
“I think the thing that is most key to my writing process is observation, and part of that comes with travelling. I do a lot of artist residencies in places around the world, and being in a new place helps me see things more acutely.”
Dunic also described what she enjoys about editing.
“I think I can really see what another writer can’t see in their work … That’s one of the reasons why I like being here at UFV and having writers come in … Sometimes you need an outside perspective to help you see what’s right in front of you.”
As for what kind of writing she would prefer students send her, Dunic said she is open to receiving all types of work.
“I’m interested in comics, visual narratives, or I can help with songs … Very wide-ranging options with me.”
When asked about Wet, her latest novel-in-verse, Dunic gave this description.
“Wet centres around the climate crisis that happened in Southeast Asia in 2015 … The book is [the protagonist] observing the injustices that are happening among migrant workers, but also non-humans like bugs, birds, [and] domestic animals.”
As for her music, Dunic said that there’s one song of hers that holds a special place in her heart.
“I like [“To Love the Coming End of the World”] because water is a theme for me … there’s that line, ‘love you like water, swallow not to drown.’ That just feels like something integral to who I am [and] how I see the world.”
When asked to compare the different communities she’s part of, Dunic said she feels more rooted among writers.
“I think, because I work in it … and I’m fostering all these new writers, I feel a lot more connected through that capacity as an editor and a teacher.”
Regarding what she would like to say to aspiring writers, Dunic said it’s important to have fun.
“It’s something that I keep trying to tell my students, because I think they have ideas of fame and fortune, or maybe they [think] the ultimate achievement is a novel or something like that, which I don’t agree with at all … I think the ultimate achievement is if you can do a creative practice that you enjoy and that is rewarding … If you don’t enjoy it, then don’t do it.”
Dunic also shared her goals as UFV’s newest WIR.
“To connect with people, meet people, and hopefully inspire them.”
Finally, Dunic encourages students who haven’t started writing yet to book a time to speak with her.
“If you’re not ready to put the pen to the paper, that’s okay. We can talk [about] ways of writing it, or talk about the plot or characters … You don’t have to give me writing.”
Looking to expand on a brewing idea? Have some writing you’d like another set of eyes on? Send an email to writer-in-residence@ufv.ca to book a half hour consultation with UFV’s accomplished writer in residence.
