Writers-in-Residence  

The Writers-in-Residence program promotes writing in communities by connecting local, professional authors to serve as Writers-in-Residence at local libraries. Writers-in-Residence spend time at the library during their residency composing new works and providing education for community members. 

Get expert advice on your writing by registering for a one-on-one consultation, or attend a writing workshop to learn new skills in the craft of writing and publishing. All experience levels are welcome.

This program is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Check our library event calendar for workshop dates and times.

Fall 2026 

M. Kate Allen is the award-winning author of numerous books, essays, short stories, and poems. She writes the Sticky Ones series, a series of spooky, standalone books for middle readers. Some of her other works include Memory Stands Still (adult fiction), Playing Gauche (YA fiction), and The Thean Psalter. She is a member of the Horror Writers Association and holds an M.A. in theology from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. In addition to offering writing workshops, she hosts a monthly YouTube series called "Write On Wednesday" in which she offers writing exercises inspired by places with character.

Check out her website: https://www.mkateallen.com/

Sign up for a one-on-one consultation with her here.

Workshops (Registration Not Required)

Dissolving the Barrier of Writer's Block

Have you ever experienced writer's block? Welcome to the club! In this workshop, we will explore what writer's block is and learn why and how it becomes a powerful barrier to one's writing practice. In this interactive session, you will have a chance to identify the source(s) of your writer's block and develop a personal ritual for acknowledging and getting beyond that block. This workshop will include writing sprints, so bring your favorite writing implements, whether it's a charged laptop or pen and paper. Please also bring a symbol that represents your identity as a writer.

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 10 a.m. - Noon - Ironwood Classroom

Starting [and Finishing] a Novel

Do you want to write a novel, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting? Are you convinced you'll never finish a novel because [insert a multitude of personal reasons]? This workshop will help you develop a plan for starting and finishing your novel. It will also give you a strategy for soaring beyond that plan. Bring your favorite writing implements, whether it's a charged laptop or pen and paper. Please also bring a copy of one of your favorite books.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 10 a.m. - Noon - Ironwood Classroom

Developing Your Cast of Characters

Have you ever started working on a novel, only to find that you have no idea what your characters should do next? Do you suspect that your characters are too few or too predictable? This workshop will give you an introduction to character development and help you turn flat characters into multi-dimensional, memorable ones. You'll come away with a list of eight characters or more who will help guide your story arc. Bring your favorite writing implements, whether it's a charged laptop or pen and paper. Please also bring a symbol of one or more of your characters.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 6 - 8 p.m. - Ironwood Classroom

Writing Gothic Horror

The horror genre is devoted to matters of ultimate concern: life/death, good/evil, justice/injustice, power imbalances, etc. Gothic horror approaches these matters in subtle, sidelong ways. Things appear okay, but then suddenly something feels off. Something in the air, the building, or the community doesn't sit right, and it's hard to put a finger on it. If you have a taste for slow-burn, spooky, suspenseful, place-based stories, this is the writing workshop for you. We'll learn about the history of the genre, review examples of Gothic horror through the centuries, and do some writing sprints. Bring your favorite writing implements, whether it's a charged laptop or pen and paper. Please also bring a symbol of your interest in the Gothic horror genre.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 6 - 8 p.m. - Ironwood Classroom

Building a Social Media Presence That Doesn't Annoy/Drain/Frustrate You

You're a writer. You know your craft and you're living your dream word by word, either full-time or in the in-between moments. You're committed to building a readership for your hard-won words, and yet the thought of building a writer's social media presence sounds dreadful, either because you've tried it and it flopped or because you haven't tried it and you can't imagine yourself doing whatever it is that will land you a host of followers. This workshop will give you strategies for building an online presence that reflects not only your goals but your preferences. You'll come away with a manageable social media plan to implement and grow on your terms. Bring your favorite writing implements, whether it's a charged laptop or pen and paper. Please also bring a symbol that expresses your current connection to your readers.

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 10 a.m. - Noon - Ironwood Classroom

You've Written a Complete First Draft - Now What?

You've finished your first draft, you've celebrated your accomplishment elaborately with your dearest people (because you deserve to -- finishing the first draft is a feat!), and now you have to decide what comes next. Perhaps you decide to put the draft in a drawer until an agent, a publisher, or [insert-your-favorite-talk-show-host] calls you up to ask you to grace the world with your words. If you've already tried that and you're still waiting, you can open the drawer, dust off that manuscript, and bring it to this workshop. You'll develop a tailored list of next steps for getting your manuscript into the hands of your desired audience. Bring your favorite writing implements, whether it's a charged laptop or pen and paper. In addition to your manuscript, bring a symbol of your hopes for your writing life going forward.

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 10 a.m. - Noon - Ironwood Classroom

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