Connect with two local authors through the library’s Writers in Residence program, offering workshops and one-on-one appointments for writing advice. Registration and appointments are required for all workshops and office hours. Find more details, register for a workshop or book an appointment.

Debi Novotny is an educator, writer and publisher for children’s books. Her books include “Addy’s Chair to Everywhere”, a 2025 CBC Teacher Favorites winner, “Beaker and Gonk”, “Hop Vroom Skitter” and more. Raised in Arizona, Debi is an Arizona State University graduate and taught for many years in Tempe, Arizona. Debi can advise on writing for youth and all aspects of authorship and publishing. She will be offering several workshops in addition to one-on-one appointments and can advise on writing for youth and all aspects of authorship and publishing. Find information about Debi’s workshops and office hours.

Mark Johnson is a local author who has written and published four memoirs and one book of poetry. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mark graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and worked as a communication professional in Chicago for 34 years. Mark left the corporate life at the age of 56 to become an author and then Mark moved to Arizona three years later. He has taught several successful memoir writing workshops and will offer a three-part creative writing class as part of the Writers in Residence program. Find more details about Mark’s workshop and office hours.

The Writers 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.