Writers’ Trust of Canada 2026 Rising Stars. From left to right: Aaron Chan, Curtis John McRae, Cassandra Myers, Vinh Nguyen, and Siavash Saadlou. (Photos courtesy Writers’ Trust)

Five writers have been named to the Writers’ Trust of Canada 2026 Rising Stars cohort.

Under the program, which was launched in 2019, five established authors each select a writer in the early stages of their career to mentor. In addition to the flexible mentorship, the selected writers each receive $5,000 and a two-week, self-directed residency at Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on the Toronto Islands.

The 2026 Rising Stars are:

• Aaron Chan, mentored by Paul Seesequasis;
• Curtis John McRae, mentored by Michael Winter;
• Cassandra Myers, mentored by Amber Dawn;
• Vinh Nguyen, mentored by Sarah Cox; and
• Siavash Saadlou, mentored by Rawi Hage.