(Tucson, AZ) Local author Jennifer J. Stewart will kick off the Summer 2026 Writer in Residence program on Thursday, May 21. Her residency will run through Thursday, July 30.
Jennifer J. Stewart is an award-winning author who writes seriously funny books for children. Her seven published children's books include both fiction and educational nonfiction. She also writes for older audiences: articles, personal essays, and poems. As a freelance editor, she enjoys making her clients' ideas and words sparkle by providing consultations and developmental editing.
She supports early literacy, believing that every child deserves the chance to read and succeed. She is proud to be a founding board member of Make Way for Books.
The Writer in Residence program brings local authors to the Library to consult with writers of any age, experience, or genre. This program, generously funded by the Arizona State Library, is a favorite among local writers.
One-on-One consultations
Jennifer will be available for eight 30 minute one-on-one sessions per week at Kirk-Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde Rd:
- Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 pm
- Saturdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm
Registration opens one week prior to each consultation. Please note, sessions tend to fill up quickly. There is a limit of one sessions per week. Writers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Workshops
Registration is not required for the following three workshops:
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Pulling Back the Curtain: Writing for Children
Saturday, June 13 from 1:30 to 3 pm
Kirk-Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Do you want to write for children? Many aspiring writers assume things that just aren’t true, like that you need to have illustrations created before you submit a picture book manuscript to an editor. How do you get an editor to consider a project, anyway? Come learn how the children’s book industry works. This workshop will give you a detailed overview of the craft and business of writing for children. Bring your questions and leave with handouts.
Digging Deep into Story (for children ages 8 to 14)
Saturday, June 27 from 1:30 to 3 pm
Kirk-Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Do you like playing with words? Let’s make up stories, using a secret scenario—come to the workshop to find out what it is! After sharing, we’ll make our stories better by working on our characters and our world-building.
When Writing Seems Impossible
Saturday, July 25 from 1:30 to 3 pm
Kirk-Bear Canyon Library, 8959 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
It’s no secret that writers can be hard on themselves and struggle to get the words down. Maybe your inner critic is super harsh. Maybe you’re good at starting stories, but never seem to finish them. Maybe your perfectionism keeps you from even starting your dream writing project. Whatever’s going on, you feel stuck, unmotivated, and you fear you’ve come down with a bad case of impostor syndrome.
It doesn’t have to be that way, or at least, not forever. Come learn and share strategies to put the joy back into your writing, with the side effect of a lot more words written.
If That Breathes Fire, We're Toast!
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Arizona
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About Pima County Public Library
For more than 100 years, we've been here for people just like you. Today, in our libraries, online, or out in the community, our dedicated staff and volunteers are always looking ahead to help you find what you're looking for. Every day, we're making our mission a reality by educating and connecting people and inspiring ideas.