Writer-in-Residence

Looking for publishing advice? Frustrated staring at a blank page? 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. Each has brought their own special talents to the program to help people with all aspects of the writing process. Writers are funded from February through July each year.

Our current Writer-in-Residence is Adiba Nelson

One-on-One Sessions

Our fall Writer-in-Residence program will feature local author Adiba Nelson, Sept 13 – Nov. 18. She will be meeting with aspiring authors at eight 30-minute one-on-one sessions per week.

Sign up for one of Adiba's sessions in our calendar.

Talk to Adiba for advice, feedback, pointers and tips on writing and publishing.

Upcoming Workshops with Adiba

No related upcoming events.

About Adiba Nelson

Adiba Nelson is the author of Ain't That A Mother; the memoir that Essence, Bustle, Ms. magazine and Shondaland all hailed as a “must read”, and subject of the Emmy winning documentary, The Full Nelson, opens a new window. 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, opens a new windowto a sold out crowd, and has since joined the NPR affiliate Arizona Public Media as a regular contributor on Arizona Spotlightand was a featured speaker at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture, opens a new window. 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.

Past Writers in Residence

About Gene Twaronite

Gene Twaronite is the author of four poetry collections. His poems have appeared widely in literary journals and anthologies. His first poetry book, Trash Picker on Mars, published by Kelsay Books, was the winner of the 2017 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Arizona poetry. His latest poetry collection is Shopping Cart Dreams.

Gene is an accomplished essayist and children’s fiction writer. He has written and published eleven books, including two essay collections, one young adult novel, and a middle grade novella, along with a collection of his children’s stories, Dragon Daily News: Stories of Imagination for Children of All Ages. His first picture book, How to Eat Breakfast, was recently published by Lyric Power Publishing in Tucson.

He is a retired Senior Instructional Specialist for the University of Arizona. Gene currently leads a poetry workshop for the University of Arizona Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program.

Visit Gene at www.genetwaronitepoet.com
Instagram @genetwaronitepoetry

FAQs

The Writer in Residence 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.

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