Lauren Turner

"It's not an exaggeration to say I owe my literary career to Carolyn Smart. I was fortunate enough to take several writing courses with Carolyn through Queen's University. Carolyn excels at creating a supportive learning environment where all emerging writers are treated as capable and deserving of encouragement. Thanks to her mentorship, I was able to dramatically refine my creative skills and find the confidence to pursue writing professionally. Her genuine investment in my career, before I even had one, will forever mean the world to me."

~ Lauren Turner, Author of “The Only Card in a Deck of Knives” (Wolsak & Wynn, 2020)

Nicole Chin

"There are certain mentors that go beyond what is usually expected of the role, people who identify and cultivate potential far past what the mentee sees as a possibility. Carolyn is one of these people. I can say without a doubt I would not be where I am now if it weren’t for her mentorship, encouragement, support, and guidance. Across the board, I’ve heard this sentiment echoed by others. No matter where you may be in your journey as a writer, Carolyn is there to champion you." 

~ Nicole Chin, author of “Shooting the Bitch” (House of Anansi, 2013)

Photo: Katrina Afonso

Omar El Akkad

“I never believed I could make a life as a writer until I met Carolyn Smart. In addition to being an exceptional teacher and creator across multiple genres, in addition to being the founder of Canada’s most important award for early-career writers, in addition to being my first publisher, having gone well above and beyond her job requirements as a creative writing instructor to publish an anthology of student work that has since become a ten-volume institution – she is, quite simply, a master reader. Her ability to get to the heart of the work – to assess with precision, honesty and generosity what the writer is trying to convey, and how to best do it – is more refined than almost anyone I’ve ever worked with. More than two decades since I was a student in her class, I still turn to her for advice on pretty well every aspect of my writing life.”

~ Omar El Akkad, Author of “American War” (M&S, 2017); “What Strange Paradise” (M&S 2021).

Caitlin Galway

“Carolyn’s guidance will not only help refine the technical elements of your work, but also encourage the most honest evocation of your unique voice. Under her mentorship, you’ll benefit from the manifold expertise of an artist who has dedicated herself, unwaveringly, to the nourishment of the craft and the advancement of countless writers.”

~ Caitlin Galway, author of “Bonavere Howl” (Guernica Editions, 2019)

Anna Maxymiw

Author of “Dirty Work” (M&S, 2019)

"I wouldn't have a career in writing if it wasn't for Carolyn. She knows how to guide emerging writers with grace, kindness, and a keen sense of direction, and helps everyone she works with to be the absolute best they can be."

Moez Surani

“Carolyn is a brilliant reader. She has an ideal combination: a generosity with her own sizeable knowledge and a humble approach towards the new writing before her. These qualities enable her to identify precisely what a work needs.” ~ Moez Surani, Author of “are the rivers in your poems real” (Book*hug 2019)