Welcoming Adiba Nelson as the Library’s newest Writer in Residence

(Tucson, AZ) Adiba Nelson, whose memoir Ain't That A Mother was hailed as a "must-read" by Essence, Bustle, Ms. magazine, and Shondaland, is the Library's 18th Writer in Residence. This program is made possible 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.

The fall Writer in Residence program will run from September 13, 2023 through November 18, 2023. During that time, Adiba will hold eight 30-minute one-on-one sessions per week at Murphy-Wilmot Library. 

Adiba will meet with writers of all stripes, ages, and genres, from novice and aspiring to experienced and previously published and offer advice about all aspects of the writing life. Consultations will be offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Registration is required and opens one week before each session. To register, call (520) 594-5420 or stop by Murphy-Wilmot Library. Please note, one-on-one consultations are limited to one session per week. 

In addition, Adiba will host three workshops:

This workshop will cover the basic fundamentals of writing children's books. Registration is required and will open on Friday, September 15. Please do so by calling Woods Memorial Library at (520) 594-5445.

This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to get into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to write a memoir. Registration, via the Library's website, is required. It will open on Saturday, October 14 at 8 am. 

This workshop is geared toward BIPOC writers looking to break into the publishing world. Registration is required and will open on Saturday, November 4. Please do so by calling Woods Memorial Library at (520) 594-5445.

About Adiba Nelson

Adiba Nelson is the author of Ain't That A Mother and subject of the Emmy winning documentary, The Full Nelson. She is also a disability rights activist, executive producer and creative consultant on the tv series based on her memoir (currently in development), a freelance journalist, semi-retired burlesque performer and very tired mom!

In 2013 she self-published her first children’s book Meet ClaraBelle Blue after not being able to find a book that adequately and appropriately represented her daughter (disabled, Black). Since then, Adiba has led numerous workshops and given keynote addresses around the country for parents and educators focusing on DEIA from a disability perspective.

In 2017 Adiba delivered her TEDx talk (Skating Downhill: The Art of Claiming Your Life) to a sold out crowd, and has since joined the NPR affiliate Arizona Public Media as a regular contributor on Arizona Spotlight, and was a featured speaker at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her children’s book, Oshun & Me (MacMillan/Feiwel & Friends) will be available Winter 2024, and her next book, Hazel’s Best Day! will be available Winter 2026.

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