Michael Schmidt—Festival Assistant

Hello! My name is Michael Schmidt. I’m thrilled to be joining the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival team for the next several weeks as I complete a field placement for my publishing program at Centennial College.

I’ll be working as the Marketing and Promotions Assistant for the festival, helping the Executive Director and Artistic Director with various tasks and projects. I look forward to learning from this role and being part of the great community of word lovers that the festival celebrates, as well as the connections I’ll make along the way!

I live on a quiet farm just outside of Waterloo, Ontario, which used to have cows (but now just crops and trees). I’ve loved reading and creative writing since I was little, which led me to complete a BA for English Literature and Creative Writing at Western in 2022. Following that, I sought to learn more about the publishing industry in Canada and eventually establish a career in this industry, prompting me to study in the program at Centennial.

My favourite genre to read and write in is fantasy, though I also enjoy reading a good mystery, YA, or sci-fi novel every now and then, especially if it’s by a Canadian author. I’m equally enthusiastic about ice hockey, writing, and dreaming up imaginary worlds and scenarios, many of which I turn into stories. The most interesting book I read recently was The Book of Rain by Thomas Wharton. Check it out if you like climate fiction!