Writers looking to sharpen their skills or find inspiration can take part in Glendale Public Library’s free Writer in Residence fall session, which begins Aug. 4 and runs through October at various city library locations.
Two local poets — Rosemarie Dombrowski and Shawnte Orion — will lead a series of creative writing workshops and one-on-one feedback sessions designed for writers of all experience levels.
The program begins with the workshop “Creative Writing Inspired by the Cinema,” from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Aug. 4 at Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave. Orion will explore editing innovations used by classic film directors and help participants apply those techniques to modern writing through interactive prompts and playful exercises. He also will offer one-on-one consultations beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 at Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. Registration is required.
Dombrowski will present “Poetic Medicine: Writing for Wellness” from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Aug. 23 at Foothills Library. The workshop will explore how reading and writing poetry can support mental and physical well-being. Participants will discuss research on poetry and healing, take part in guided readings and complete writing exercises. Her one-on-one sessions will begin at 10 a.m. Aug. 13 at Foothills Library. Registration is required.
For a full schedule of workshops and consultation sessions, visit the library events calendar at bit.ly/4m3eRaR.
While Glendale has offered the Writer in Residence program for many years, this is the first time poets will lead both workshops and consultations, said Lauren Kalt, librarian at Foothills Library.
“These popular events attract adults young and old, and all genres and experience levels are welcome,” Kalt said. “Sometimes they bring manuscripts for feedback, ask how to get published, and reap the benefits of coaching for their writing projects. It’s a fun, safe and nonjudgmental space to explore any type of writing.”
Dombrowski is the inaugural poet laureate of Phoenix. She is the founding editor of Rinky Dink Press and founding director of Revisionary Arts, a nonprofit that promotes healing and self-care through poetry. She has published four poetry collections and teaches at Arizona State University.
Orion is the author of “Gravity & Spectacle,” a collaboration with photographer Jia Oak Baker, and “The Existential Cookbook.” He is also an editor at Rinky Dink Press, and his work has appeared in Threepenny Review, Barrelhouse, Sugar House Review, New York Quarterly and on a vinyl record with the San Francisco band Sweat Lodge.
Glendale’s Writer in Residence program is funded by a grant from the Arizona State Library with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
For more information about Glendale Public Library programs, visit glendaleazlibrary.com.