À vos plumes! a second edition to showcase Quebec's up-and-coming literary talent
A tailored literary training program designed to refine one’s voice, strengthen writing skills, and develop a practice that matches professional ambitions.
Montreal, August 7, 2025 - After an outstanding first edition that revealed four singular literary voices, the Fondation Dynastie is proud to announce the return of the À vos plumes! program, a completely free microprogram in literature for emerging writers from Quebec's Black communities. Registration is now open until September 7, 2025.
Designed as a springboard for entrepreneurial development, À vos plumes! is more than just a training course. It’s an immersive 100+ hour experience combining eight modules, hands-on workshops, off-program activities, and moments of literary exploration. Participants will be guided through the process of structuring and bringing their writing projects to life.
“Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our first cohort, we’ve chosen to deepen the curriculum, placing more emphasis on the entrepreneurial aspects of being an author while also focusing on the writing of their work.
What are my rights as an author? How can I diversify my income? How can I build a clear positioning and coherent branding? What is the publisher's role in the manuscript process?
All these questions, and many more, will be addressed with one clear objective in mind: to help emerging writers become more autonomous, structured, and confident as they navigate the literary world’s many opportunities.
I’m deeply grateful for the renewed support of the Conseil des arts de Montréal for this second edition of À vos plumes!.” - Tracy Paulotte, Head of Programs and Outreach
A First Edition Celebrated for Its Relevance and Impact
ched in 2024 with the support of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the inaugural cohort gathered the promising voices of Naïma Frank, Antoine-Samuel Maufette-Alavo, Éric Lafalaise, and Rachel Chin.
The program concluded with a public reading of excerpts from each of their manuscripts, sparking audience interest and hinting at the powerful potential of these writers.
" The writing residency celebrates strong, sensitive and resolutely contemporary voices that are helping to redefine Montreal's literary landscape. The Conseil des arts de Montréal is proud to support this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to a more equitable and representative culture. This program gives a real boost to up-and-coming Afro-descendant literary talent, offering them concrete tools to make their voices heard. We salute the remarkable work of the Fondation Dynastie , and look forward to discovering the writers who will bring this new edition to life. " - Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director, Conseil des arts de Montréal
Clear Objectives, a Strong Mission
The return of this microprogram reflects Fondation Dynastie’s commitment to supporting Black artists in their professional development and facilitating access to established cultural networks.
" Too often, authors have to go it alone to get their work known. With À vos plumes! we're changing that: we're giving them access to knowledge, mentors and a concrete network to develop their literary projects and take the steps that lead to publication and professional recognition. This second edition is another opportunity to build lasting bridges between these writers and the Quebec literary industry. - Carla Beauvais, Director of the Fondation Dynastie
By supporting emerging literary talent, À vos plumes! pursues several objectives:
- Helping writers develop their voice and their projects
- Provide access to equitable resources and training in the literary field
- Create a space for recognition, reflection, and dialogue around Black writing
- Encourage the dissemination of works beyond the program, fostering cultural influence
This program acts as both a literary incubator, where writing becomes a tool for expression, recognition, and visibility.
Emeline Pierre, a professor of French-language literature at the Université de Montréal, who specializes in Francophone narratives, Caribbean thrillers and women's writing, will accompany participants.
Returning as lead trainer, she will continue to support emerging authors in their writing process and the development of their work.
" I am deeply honoured to renew my commitment as lead trainer for this second edition of À vos plumes! This program is essential, as it offers a unique space where transmission, coaching and reflection combine to legitimize emerging literary voices from Quebec's black communities. My mission is to guide these authors in refining their voice and skills, but above all to support them in structuring a writing process that is both ambitious and rooted in a professional reality. By combining the creative and entrepreneurial aspects of the craft, we make them more self-reliant and confident, ready to enrich Quebec's literary landscape with their singular narratives and unique perspectives. " - Emeline Pierre, Lead Instructor, À vos plumes!
A Bigger, Bolder Second Edition
For the 2025–2026 edition, four participants will be selected to benefit from this $15 500-value training program, free of charge, along with a $1,300 grant, highlighting the program’s professional scope.<br>
Designed in collaboration with renowned trainers (Me Aicha Tohry, Vincent Brault, Niti Marcelle Mueth, Maison Seenopsis, etc.), the program will address both the creative and structural dimensions of the author's craft, with a focus on transmission, coaching and sharing experience.
Training sessions will take place in person from September 2025 to April 2026, across approximately twenty scheduled dates throughout the year.
Applications are open from August 7 to September 7, 2025.
Full details, eligibility criteria and application procedures are available on our website.
An online information session will also be held on Tuesday, September 02, 2025. You can register here.
About the Program
À vos plumes! is a reflection on the impact that literature can have on our society. Through this program, the Fondation Dynastie aims to offer personalized support to emerging authors, enabling them to bring their writing and publishing projects to fruition. It's a springboard for those with a thirst for storytelling, imagination and making their voices heard.
If you have any questions about the program, please write to us at : contact@fondationdynastie.com
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ABOUT THE FONDATION DYNASTIE
Fondation Dynastie works towards a more equitable and meaningful representation of Black communities in the fields of arts, culture, and media. Through various initiatives, the organization aims to break down barriers, create opportunities that enhance the visibility and recognition of Black talent, and reduce inequalities in representation within the cultural and media sectors. The foundation also supports the development and professionalization of emerging talent.
Source
Fondation Dynastie
Alexandra Coste
Communications Manager
communications@fondationdynastie.com