The stories we share and the words we write can help others think and reflect on their own lives. That is something Eugene Stickland has experienced numerous times throughout his seasoned writing career. 

Eugene has been a playwright for over 30 years. He has also written novels, poetry, and the occasional eulogy. The latter reminds Eugene that life is short and it’s important to seize moments of connection and make as much of an impact as he can. 

As the Library’s 2026 Author in Residence, Eugene is sharing his own story while also helping others learn how to write their own.   

Writing to Evoke Different Emotions 

Eugene often uses humour while conveying underlying emotions. 

“Life is a comedy to those who think and a tragedy to those who feel.”  

While he was a Writer in Residence at Alberta Theatre Projects, Eugene witnessed firsthand how the stories he writes can bring forth deep feelings. 

The Guide to Mourning is a play inspired by a conversation Eugene had with his mother about the death of his father. It explains the process of grief from the viewpoint of a dysfunctional family. During the play’s early run, Eugene watched audience members burst into laughter, followed shortly by a much more somber moment. 

“If someone dies in our busy culture, you need to take the time to get in touch with your feelings. A lot of people don't. When they came and saw this play and watched that final scene, it hit them over the head.”  

Eugene says there were people in the theatre sobbing uncontrollably.  

“I never had a reaction like that to a play. It was so strong.” 

Whether it’s someone watching his plays or someone reading his poetry, Eugene hopes his work can spark different feelings that remind people of their own unique experiences. 

Helping Community Members Write at the Library 

Throughout his career, Eugene has done residencies and is thrilled to now be at the Library as the 2026 Author in Residence. He sees the Library as a connection point to community members from all walks of life. 

In the past, Eugene has taught coursework that spans over the course of months. At the Library, he has had to make some changes in his teaching style so that community members can take something away during a quick visit at his office or at one of his programs. Following the advice of his wife, he’s teaching more practical skills rather than theoretical ones. 

So far, community members have learned about everything from writing dialogue to not overthinking what they’re writing. 

Simply put, Eugene’s advice for writers is: “Be simple and be yourself.” 

Visit our website to see Eugene during his office hours or attend one of his programs, including a talk on his serendipitous writing career. 

Residencies at the Library 

The Author in Residence program has been offered at the Library for over 30 years. Through this program, we have hosted many exceptional authors who continue to contribute to Calgary's strong literary community. This is one of seven residencies that take place at Calgary Public Library each year.