Junie Désil

Junie Désil is of Haitian ancestry, born of immigrant parents on the traditional territories of the Kanien’kehá:ka on the island known as Tiohtià:ke (Montréal), and raised in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg). Junie has performed at various literary events and festivals. Her work has appeared in Room Magazine, PRISM International, The Capilano Review and CV2.

A recovering academic, a UBC alumnus, and most recently a participant in Simon Fraser University’s Writer’s Studio, Junie’s debut book of poetry eat salt | gaze at the ocean was short-listed for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize.

Junie Désil also teaches at SFU in the Leadership Essentials Certificate program. 

Photo: Joy Unagaebu

Junie’s advice for Writer’s Studio applicants

What are you looking for in your workshop group?

I am looking for workshop participants who actively engage with their own and other’s work, demonstrate self-reflection, embrace—and give—constructive feedback with generosity, have a curious mindset for experimentation, and are willing to push theirs and each other’s creative boundaries for growth (with compassion, consent and a reverence for each other's contributions). Finally, I want workshop participants to understand that you get what you put into the workshop space.

What do you look for when reading an applicant’s submission?

When reviewing submissions, I want writers to submit their best work, and work that feels personally risky/daunting. I seek work that writers are proud to share and motivated to elevate for potential publication. Finally, honest self-reflection on why they want to join the Studio is crucial, as I prioritize writers who demonstrate a commitment to growth, and a commitment to working collaboratively with other Studio members.