Prince Albert poet to headline Write Out Loud series in Swift Current

SWIFT CURRENT — Prince Albert author Lynda Monahan will present her latest poetry collection at the Lyric Theatre on April 15 as part of the 2025-26 Write Out Loud series.

Monahan’s book, The Door at the End of Everything (Shadow Press, 2024), draws inspiration from her work as writer-in-residence on adult and youth mental health wards at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. The collection aims to give voice to individuals experiencing mental health challenges who are often marginalized and unheard.

A seasoned writer and educator, Monahan has published four previous poetry collections and contributed to numerous anthologies and Canadian literary magazines. She has taught creative writing at SIAST Woodland Campus for more than 20 years and has also worked with inmates at Pine Grove Correctional Centre. Her workshops span memoir, poetry, journaling for the deaf and photo-journaling, and she has compiled stories by and about adults with acquired brain injuries.

While some of her poetry explores darker themes, Monahan’s work focuses on hope, courage and humour.

The event is the sixth program in this season’s Write Out Loud series. Organizers acknowledged sponsorship support from the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, as well as the City of Swift Current.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre, with the program beginning at 7 p.m. Local cellist Olivia Brotzell will provide opening entertainment. Admission is $10.