PEN MEETS PAPER “ Natasha Deen, the first writer-in-residence at the St. Albert Public Library, is just wrapping up her four-month stint.
CHRIS COLBOURNE/St. Albert Gazette
Writer-in-residence reaches ‘The End’ ~ Scott Hayes
It’s been a good run, says Natasha Deen. The first writer-in-residence at the St. Albert Public Library is just wrapping up her four-month stint, helping local residents to put pen to paper in varied, fun and meaningful ways.
The author-slash-mentor was aghast that the time has gone so fast.
œCan you believe it? she exclaimed.
œApril has been so bittersweet because on the one hand, I’m really excited to go to Sherwood Park and get a chance to redo my sessions and meet new authors. On the other hand, it’s going to be sad not having an office in the library any more.
As she prepares to wrap up her time here, she is simultaneously gearing up to take on writers with the Strathcona County Library at 401 Festival Lane in Sherwood Park.
She said that her experience with writers here has been œoverwhelmingly positive.
œI’ve been so impressed with the level of talent and creativity. The depth and the breadth and the scope of stories, she began, mentioning that she has seen everything from memoirs and fan fiction to young adult, fantasy, horror and everything in between. Some of what she read also tackled difficult subjects.
œIt’s just been incredible, the amount of skill that St. Albert writers have. Also, just the courage in coming and sitting down. It’s disconcerting to take your pages to somebody and say, ˜Okay, read this and tell me what I’m doing wrong’ or ˜tell me how to make it better.’ I’m impressed with the level of emotional courage.
