Aspiring writers can utilize another resource to improve their writing skills. Sharon Skinner, a local author who mainly writes fantasy, science fiction and paranormal for audiences of all ages, will be Writer in Residence at Mesa Public Library from May through July.
Skinner will be offering free writing workshops at the various Mesa Libraries. Among the workshops she is hosting:
Setting: Where in the World?
May 5. 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Red Mountain Branch, 635 N. Power Road.
Setting is a critical aspect of ensuring your reader is transported into your fictional world and remains immersed throughout the story. This workshop will focus on world-building.
Point of View (POV): Who...Are...You?
May 19. 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Main Library, 64 E. First St.
Point of View (POV) is the lens through which your reader will view your story. Go beyond first-person, second-person, etc., and delve into how POV affects the structure of the story, narrative voice, and reader engagement.
Character: The Arc and the Covenant
June 2. 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Red Mountain Branch, 635 N. Power Road.
A well-rounded character is critical for believability. All fiction requires some a level of suspension of disbelief, but "real" characters make the plot--and ultimately the story--believable. This workshop will explore a variety of methods for creating multi-faceted, compelling characters who won't fall flat.
Plot: More Than Just a Walk in the Park
June 23. 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Dobson Ranch Branch, 2425 S. Dobson Road.
We've all seen that old plotline that looks like the front end of a roller coaster, but plot is more than just rising action based on a series of increasing complications. It's the engine that drives the narrative and needs to fire on all cylinders to rev up and captivate readers. This workshop will offer methods for creating a compelling plot that leads to a satisfying conclusion.
Skinner will also be holding one-on-one meetings with aspiring writers. Please check online at www.mesalibrary.org/writerinresidence to schedule a meeting or call (480) 644-3100 for questions.
Sharon Skinner holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and is Grants Professional Certified. She is also a proud U.S. Navy veteran. Skinner is an active member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and serves as the Regional Advisor for SCBWI AZ.
Skinner is an experienced and sought-after workshop facilitator and presenter, who has been engaged to teach and present at the Arizona State University Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, the San Diego State University Writers Conference, Tucson Festival of Books, and numerous pop culture conventions throughout the U.S.
The Writer in Residence program 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.
Library
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov