Donis Casey, an accomplished author known for her mystery series set against the backdrop of rural Oklahoma, is set to share her literary expertise as Glendale's Writer in Residence from September through November. The city's public libraries are to host Casey for a variety of workshops, all free of charge, catering to the diverse palette of the local writing community.
Casey, whose former roles include academic librarian at both Arizona State University and the University of Oklahoma, will offer one-on-one consultations and group workshops at Glendale's four libraries. She's poised to provide guidance drawn from her personal journey as the writer behind the Alafair Tucker Mysteries—a series exploring the unintended detective work of a resourceful mother in the 1910s. According to Glendaleaz.com, Casey credits her upbringing in Tulsa, surrounded by a large family network, as a wellspring of inspiration for her storytelling.
Interested individuals can sign up for a personal consultation with Casey, where they will be able to receive feedback on their writing endeavors. Registration is required and can be accomplished through the Glendale Public Library's website or by phone. Sessions are scheduled for a half-hour at the Foothills Library during Casey's residence.
Casey's workshops span a range of topics pertinent to the writing craft. According to the official city announcement, these include "Creating the World of Your Story," "The Plot Thickens," and "Dialog, Dialect and Voice." Participants will be able to deeply explore aspects of setting, plot development, and character voice. She'll also facilitate workshops on memoir writing, character creation, and the path to getting published. Engagements are set to be held across various Glendale libraries, beginning September 12 at Heroes Regional Park Library and concluding November 21 at Foothills Library.
The impact of a resident writer like Casey extends beyond mere writing tips. Sarah Herlache, interim supervising librarian for the Foothills Library, explained in a statement to Glendaleaz.com that the program is about inspiration and motivation, with Casey bringing a mix of practical wisdom and good humor to her teaching.
Alongside her mystery series, Casey has also authored spin-offs within the Bianca Dangereuse Hollywood Mysteries, underscoring the breadth of her creative span. Her recognition in the literary community includes accolades like the Arizona Book Award and the title of finalist for both the Willa Award and Oklahoma Book Award. Her commitment to the craft, and willingness to support fellow writers, make her tenure as Writer in Residence an exciting opportunity for the Glendale writing community to develop their narratives under her guidance.
