At the Carol Shields Prize Foundation, we strive to build literary community and provide writers with the opportunity to connect and work on their craft. Banff Centre has been a great partner in supporting this mission.
Just like in 2025, Shields Prize Finalists and the Winner were invited to participate in a group retreat residency in the Leighton Artist Studios at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta, Canada.
Julia Elliott, Lee Lai, and Sonya Walger shared that they enjoyed a nice mix of swapping notes on their process and progress, and having the space to work solo in one of the most beautiful places they’ve seen.
Revisit our 2026 shortlist and learn more about the authors and their books.
Julia Elliott, Lee Lai, and Sonya Walger. Photo credit: Abigaile Edwards for the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Our 2026 Winner, Julia Elliott, author of Hellions, called the experience “a magical week.” Julia went on multiple hikes by herself and cherished getting to spend time with Lee and Sonya. 2026 Finalist, Lee Lai, author of Cannon, was equally awe-struck by the environment and took numerous elk pictures! Lee said that it was the perfect mix of having time to work solo and exchanging notes and ideas.
In exciting news for fans of Lion, Sonya Walger shared she was able to complete the first draft of her third novel. She called the experience an “extraordinary privilege,” and thanked the Shields Prize and the Banff Centre “for the opportunity to recharge, to focus and to pare life down to the essentials again—fresh air, hard work and deep sleep.”
