The Book of Negroes author Lawrence Hill works with new writers at Saskatchewan retreat

Lawrence Hill, author of The Book of Negroes, is in Saskatchewan for a writers retreat.

"It's a great atmosphere, very supportive," Hill told CBC in an recent interview. "Writers need to help each other so I'm happy to do that."

Hill is spending time with five emerging authors at the Sage Hill Writing Experience at St. Micheal's Retreat in Lumsden, Sask., 30 kilometres northwest of Regina.

"It's a great way to be connected to the community," Hill added. "The wonderful thing about coming to Lumsden and dealing with writers through Sage Hill Writing is that you are exposed to developing writers from all over Western Canada. It's a great way to sort of get more familiar with what's happening in literature in Saskatchewan and points further west."

Hill said he is also happy to share his experience with the up and coming authors. The participants are at different stages of development. Some have published books while others are brand new to writing and writing creatively for the first time.

"I can talk about structure, the effectiveness of dialogue, the appropriate use of narrative technique, point of view, plot manipulation," Hill said. "All those things are things I can step in and hopefully be a helpful mentor."

Hill also spent some time in the province in the 70s and later wrote about working on the railway at Gull Lake, Sask., in the short story, Meet You at the Door, published in The Walrus.