Testimonials

I would like to share that I appreciate Rowan’s insights and respect for the work. Her capabilities as both a writer and editor are of great support to students in the program – I’ve experienced this first hand. Thank you Rowan!

~ Maryann  M., former mentee and SYSI participant

I don’t know what I would have done without Rowan McCandless, our excellent Mentor! Meeting at least half of the Outlier forms were a huge challenge for me, until she unpacked them, and even then I was still dubious about those hermit crabs, centred or decentered! Rowan always came to my rescue with appropriate suggestions, and showing me how in our Monday 1:1s, and discussions. Her positive outlook is contagious, and I am more than grateful to have had such a patient, understanding, and engaged mentor during this intensive course. And, looking at my ‘final’ portfolio, while very much an amateur still, with Rowan’s guidance, I feel I have accomplished this by being stretched in the variety of outlier forms that I would not have thought of before. These forms will be helpful in my writing from now on. And, with Rowan’s constant encouragement still ringing in my ears, I have renewed fervour to continue with my own writing now to completion. I convey to  Rowan my gratitude and thanks for all her talks, assistance, generosity, care, and encouragement throughout the SYSI Course.

With all my best wishes,

~ Betty W-K. , former mentee and SYSI participant

Rowan operates from a strengths-based approach and celebrates each (writers’) success with enthusiasm and care. Her ability to create emotionally safe spaces while delivering high-quality creative writing instruction is extremely valuable.

~ Carrie Hatland, Founding Director of Youth Programming Manitoba Writers’ Guild

In addition to being a trained educator, Rowan is a brilliant writing instructor with the knowledge and skill to help writers develop their craft. I consistently hear from our students how much they appreciate the safe and creatively nurturing space she holds for their vulnerable stories.

`~ Nicole Breit, Author and Founder Spark Your Story Writing Programs

As an instructor, Rowan McCandless was incredible. Alongside her knowledge of the forms, she created a safe and intimate space which made it possible for me to tackle difficult subject matter, like my father’s passing. As a result, while working with Rowan I wrote “My father as rhythm in lakewater,” which placed second in the Banff Centre Bliss Carmen Poetry Contest.

~ Diana Hope Tegenkamp, author of the poetry collection, Girl Running

Every conversation with Rowan has my brain exploding with new ideas and bursting with excitement for the next drafts of my writing. She is encouraging while also providing expert, focused feedback. She truly gets what I am trying to do (what a gift) and working with her has brought essential improvements to my work that I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own. The pieces we have worked on together have been published in Prairie Fire, Chestnut Review, River Teeth, Grain, and other magazines, and have been chosen for awards and contests. If you need a burst of inspiration or to take your draft to the next level Rowan’s playful and intelligent perspective is just the thing. Your writing will thank you! 

~ Jen Robinson, former mentee

Boy, oh boy! Did [Rowan’s] quiet gentleness and considered approach pay off! She created such an air of safety to be authentic myself. Her quiet comments were, without fail, potent and helpful. Her reviews have a light touch that, at first, had me wondering if I would be able to improve much. But when I took the suggestions, every single one had a wide and deep effect. 

I can’t thank her enough for her attentive, astute and informed attention. (ps Now I’m reading Persephone’s Children and am further blown away with inspiration and confidence that it truly is possible to take ugliness and make it beautiful; to take horror that is relatable for those of us who also understand horror without triggering. Her book is a perfect example of everything you’ve been teaching us about how these outlier forms have important and beautiful work to do. 

I can’t thank Rowan enough for her tender, profound support.

~ Gaye, former mentee and SYSI participant