Writer in Residence
Writer in Residence: Kara McDowell
Mesa Public Library is excited to partner with the Arizona State Library and welcome Kara McDowell as our Writer in Residence from September to November. McDowell is the author of romantic comedies for adults and teens, including One Way or Another, The Prince & The Apocalypse series, and The Write Off. She lives with her three sons in Mesa, Arizona. When she's not at a baseball game, she divides her time between writing, baking, and wishing for rain. You can find her on Instagram at @karajmcdowellbooks or at karajmcdowell.com
During her time as the Writer in Residence, she will offer writing consultations to help aspiring authors fine-tune their work at the Gateway Library. There is a limit of 1 signup per week and 2 per month.
Writer in Residence Consultation Hours
Improve your writing with 30-minute one-on-one consultation sessions. Patrons are limited to one session per week, with a maximum of two sessions per month. To book a time slot, select the month below to access the event calendar:
November
Workshops
Demystifying Traditional Publishing
Thurs | Sept 3 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | Gateway Library
Learn about the path to getting a book published, from finishing your first manuscript to getting a book deal and what happens pre-publication. We'll discuss finding critique partners, query letters, getting an agent, going on submission, and what happens after you get an offer.
Writing Romance
Sat | Sept 19 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Gateway Library
Interested in learning how to write a good romance novel? We'll celebrate the romance genre, cover the basic rules of writing romance, discuss character goals, motivation, and conflicts, and discuss and share resources for writers.
How to Take a Book from First to Last Draft
Thurs | Oct 1 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | Gateway Library
Have a story to tell but aren't sure where to begin? Learn practical tips and strategies for turning your idea into a finished book, from developing your first draft through revision, editing, and polishing your manuscript. We'll cover the essentials of storytelling, including plot structure, character arcs, tension, stakes, pacing, and more.
Preserving Joy on Your Writing Journey
Sat | Oct 24 | 10:30am – 12:00pm | Gateway Library
Writing is about more than finishing a manuscript. This workshop offers a realistic discussion of the ups and downs of pursuing a writing life, along with strategies for maintaining joy and a sense of self and methods for protecting and celebrating your creativity.
This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.