Writer in residence sets office hours, workshops at Mesa Public Library

Aspiring writers can get guidance from a published author to improve their skills at Mesa Public Library.

As part of the Writer in Residence Program, author Marc Mason will use the Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, as his public workspace from October through December, offering one-on-one consultations and hosting workshops to help both emerging and experienced writers improve their craft, according to a release.

Upcoming events include:

• Writer in Residence consultation hours — 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Saturdays. Mason will be available for 30-minute one-on-one consultations from October through December to help writers fine-tune their work. Appointments are required and can be booked through the library’s event calendar.
• Exploring the memoir — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8. This workshop is for those clamoring to get their family story (or stories) to the page so that generations can immerse themselves in history. Whether you’re telling your own story, or the story of a beloved relative, or someone else you care about, this session will help you dive deep, uncover the hidden truths bring your personal history into the light.
• Which idea to use? — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. Do you have too many ideas leaving you unsure where to start? Writer in Residence Marc Mason will guide participants in developing ideas for everything short stories to tweets, helping you identify and refine the concept you’re most excited to write.

Mason has been a professional writer since 1987. His career has spanned newspapers, magazines, comic books, young adult novels, travelogues and more. He recently retired from Arizona State University after 35 years as a librarian and faculty member, teaching topics like critical thinking and information literacy, specializing in working with freshmen and international students. He resides with his wife Sophia, step-children Alex and Annie, and dogs Cosmo and Flora in Tempe.

The Writer in Residence program is supported by the Arizona State Library, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

For information on programs at Mesa Public Library, call 480-644-3100 or go to www.mesalibrary.org/writerinresidence.