Carolyn Smart

Carolyn Smart is a Professor of Creative Writing at Queen’s University, specializing in poetry and creative writing education. She has been affiliated with the Department of English Language and Literature within the Faculty of Arts and Science since 1989. Her academic roles include founding the RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers, serving as poetry editor for McGill-Queen’s University Press, and directing Queen’s Creative Writing Program for 32 years. She mentors emerging writers and emphasizes honesty and engagement in literary creation.

Education: BA (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Toronto.

Research focuses on prose poetry, confessional poetry, Canadian literature, and performance poetry. Her work explores untold stories through narrative and lyrical forms, often blending personal and historical narratives. Notable projects include theatrical adaptations of her poetry collections Careen and Hooked.

Her awards include the CBC Literary Contest First Prize (1993) and Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. She has authored six poetry collections and an award-winning memoir.

Advising: Over three decades, she has mentored generations of writers through her teaching and the Bronwen Wallace Award program. Her contributions to literary education and mentorship are widely recognized. She also contributed to anthologies and served in editorial roles.

Labs/Teams: Central figure in Queen’s Creative Writing Program and leader in fostering emerging Canadian writers through her initiatives.