Frequently Asked Questions for Adult Writing Courses

FAQ

What are the program dates?

Spring Fiction Colloquium Dates: 
In Person: May 19 – 27, 2025

Summer Adults’ Writing Courses Dates: 
Online: June 30 – July 9, 2025
In Person: July 2 – 11, 2025

When are the application deadlines?

Spring Fiction Colloquium 
Application Deadline: To Be Announced

Summer Adults’ Writing Courses
Application Deadline: To Be Announced

You can find more info here: https://sagehillwriting.ca/writing-retreats/.

What will my application include?

Applicants will need to provide:

For general adult courses and colloquia:

  • Applicant information
  • Emergency contact information
  • $30 Application Fee (payable by e-Transfer, Visa / MasterCard, or cheque)
  • A brief letter outlining your writing project, including:
    • Goals
    • Where you are in your process
    • How you would work on your project while at Sage Hill
    • Any other pertinent information
  • 12-page sample of your writing including:
    • Five pages published
    • Seven pages of the work in progress that you would like to develop at Sage Hill
  • Your literary CV
  • Optional: A letter of intent towards a bursary or scholarship

For Emerging Writers’ Courses:

  • Applicant information
  • Emergency contact information
  • $30 Application Fee (payable by e-Transfer, Visa / MasterCard, or cheque)
  • A one-page letter including:
    • Statement of interest
    • Current projects
    • Goals for the workshop
    • Any other pertinent information
  • Five-page sample of your writing. Note: You do not need to be published in order to apply for the Emerging Writers’ Workshop.
  • Optional: A letter of intent towards a bursary or scholarship

When will I know if I’ve been accepted to the workshop?

The adjudication process is usually completed about one month after the application deadline. You will be contacted with results after the jury has come forward with its decision.

How much does it cost?

Online program tuition is $845 plus the application fee of $30.

In-person course tuition is $2195 plus the application fee of $30. Sage Hill will run a shuttle from the Saskatoon Airport to the retreat centre; should you require this service, the charge is $60 one-way or $120 both-ways. 

Are Payment Plans available?

Yes, payment plans can be available and will be determined through contact with Sage Hill’s Executive Director at sage.hill@sasktel.net.

Are Scholarships and Bursaries available?

Yes, Sage Hill Writing has many scholarships and bursaries which are made possible through the generosity of people who support Sage Hill. 

Scholarships and bursaries are available for both spring and summer retreats. These scholarships and bursaries range from “Emerging Writers’ Bursaries” to “Saskatchewan Writers Bursary” to “Indigenous Writers Bursary” and “Black Excellence Scholarship”.

For more information on Sage Hill Writing’s current scholarship and bursaries, as well as other funding opportunities, click here: https://sagehillwriting.ca/scholarships-bursaries/.

Are there other funding options to support my attendance?

You can also apply for grant funding to support your attendance at Sage Hill!

Here are a few suggestions:

National Grants

(open to writers across Canada)

Access Copyright Foundation: Professional Development Grant for writers 
Apply to cover Sage Hill tuition & travel costs up to $3000.
Application Deadline: April 1 (Read more)

Provincial Grants 

(open to Saskatchewan writers)

SK Arts: Independent Artists Program
Application Deadline: March 15 
and October 1
(Read more)

SK Arts: Micro-Grant Program 
Apply to cover Sage Hill tuition up to $1000.
Application Deadline: 1st of each month
(Read more)

Support for residents of other Provinces: 

What does tuition include for in person courses?

  • 9 nights of accommodation in your own private room with ensuite bathroom at St. Peter’s college in Muenster, SK
  • Three meals per day, and snacks
  • Writing retreats as part of a small group, led by program faculty
  • 1-on-1 conferences and course time with your instructor
  • Critical feedback on writing submissions
  • Courses and discussions on the craft of writing
  • Private meeting spaces for 1-on-1 instruction and group sessions
  • Printer and office equipment
  • Writing desk and chair in your room
  • Comfortable lounge areas
  • Access to kitchenette with fridge
  • Coffee and tea station available at all hours
  • Free laundry facilities
  • Games Room
  • Book table to sell your works and buy the works of others
  • Access to full college library on-site
  • Wi-Fi access
  • Treed grounds, walking trails, gardens
  • Access to fitness centre with the latest professional quality equipment
  • Outdoor soccer pitch
  • Arranged trips to nearby towns and other programmed events
  • The time of your life! 

To find the complete venue information, click here: https://sagehillwriting.ca/accommodations/.

What does workshop tuition include for online classes?

  • 10-day writing retreat as part of a small group, led by program faculty
  • 1-on-1 conferences and course time with your instructor
  • Critical feedback on writing submissions
  • Courses and discussions on the craft of writing
  • Private online meeting spaces for 1-on-1 instruction and group sessions
  • Access to programmed online readings and events
  • Invitation to online social activities with other writers
  • Classes usually meet for 1 to 2 hours each day.

What is your refund policy?

  • There will be a $100 cancellation fee if you withdraw after accepting a spot in a course.
  • If you cancel 14 days or more prior to start date: 50% of tuition is due to Sage Hill. If your tuition has been paid, we will issue a refund of the amount paid less 50% of the total tuition amount.
  • If you cancel 7 days prior to retreat start date: 75% of tuition is due to Sage Hill. If your tuition has been paid, we will issue a refund of the amount paid less 75% of the total tuition amount.
  • Cancellations within one week of program start dates are non-refundable. However, if it is possible to fill your spot in the program, some refund will be available.
  • Please note that credit card processing fees are non-refundable.

Refunds for COVID-related cancellations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Sage Hill reserves the right to cancel upcoming or in-process programs due to COVID-related health and safety issues or mandates. If a program must be cancelled, payment will be refunded accordingly.

What is your COVID policy?

Sage Hill closely follows Saskatchewan’s provincial health care guidelines and mandates. We will do everything possible to ensure a safe retreat. It is the responsibility of attendees to alert Sage Hill staff if they know that they have COVID during the program. Sage Hill staff will work together each individual to create a plan. 

Where is the in person venue?

Sage Hill’s in person Spring and Summer programs take place at St. Peter’s in Muenster, Saskatchewan.

For more information about the venue, click here: https://sagehillwriting.ca/accommodations/.

Participants can either find their own transportation to St. Peter’s, i.e., by car, or can reserve a seat on Sage Hill’s chartered shuttle. St. Peter’s is a 1.5 hour drive from the Saskatoon airport. Muenster does not currently have any public transport available. 

How late can I apply?

You can apply until the last day of the application deadline. 

If the deadline has passed, you can be added to the waitlist by contacting Tara Dawn at sage.hill@sasktel.net.