2026 Writer in Residence with Deborah J Ledford
Published on December 09, 2025
Get expert writing advice in one-on-one consultations and workshops with award-winning author Deborah J Ledford in our Writer in Residence program, running from January through March 2026.
About the Writer
Deborah J Ledford is the award-winning author of the Eva “Lightning Dance” Duran suspense thriller series, including Redemption and Havoc. Part Eastern Band Cherokee, she is an Agatha Award winner, The Hillerman Sky Award Finalist, and two-time Anthony Award Finalist for Best Audiobooks Crescendo and Causing Chaos from her Smoky Mountain Inquest series. Previous Adjunct Professor for Arizona State University’s Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, Deborah lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and awesome Ausky. Visit DeborahJLedford.com for more information.
One-on-One Consultations
Meet one-on-one with Deborah J Ledford for writing advice or manuscript review. Registration is required.
January One-on-One Consultations
February One-on-One Consultations
March One-on-One Consultations
Please note: Consulting sessions are limited to the allotted session time. Patrons are limited to one session per week but may stop by to check last-minute availability for any session that has not been reserved online.
Writing Workshops
No registration is required.
Organizational Skills to Keep You Focused
Saturday, January 10, 2-3:15 p.m.
Main Library
Deborah walks participants through various techniques to stay on track with their work-in-progress. From storyboards to index cards or Excel sheets, you will discover the ideal method for you. Open to writers of all genres and skill levels.
Originality in Storytelling
Thursday, January 22, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Main Library
Although plots and themes of published books may seem somewhat the same, your own story to tell is unique. Participants will be presented photographs and each will write vignettes of scenes, and will have the opportunity to read aloud their own personal take on the visuals. Open to writers of all genres and skill levels.
Constructing the Ideal Book Descriptor
Thursday, February 5, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Foothills Library
Refining the question to “What’s your book about?” is the key to keeping you engaged as you write, and later to hook agents, publishers, and readers with the perfect pitch. This is an active workshop where participants work to polish their crucial 24-word loglines. Open to writers of all genres and skill levels.
Developing Killer Characters
Monday, February 23, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Main Library
The people in your stories take center stage as we discuss techniques for creating realistic and intriguing characters. Deborah will present a detailed character breakdown template for participants to actively build a fully-realized protagonist or antagonist to share with the class. Open to writers of all genres and skill levels.
Bringing Your Story or Novel Full Circle
Monday, March 16, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Main Library
From first paragraph to last sentence, it is crucial to ensure your story comes full circle. The goal is to be certain the entire journey has been memorable for the reader. Tips include implementing foreshadowing and red herrings, and assuring that growth of your characters and plot points is wrapped up to satisfaction. Open to writers of all genres and skill levels.
Bringing Visuals to Life on the Page
Saturday, March 28, 2-3:15 p.m.
Heroes Regional Park Library
As a screenwriter, Deborah provides particular insights to the connection of the art of film and prose. Participants learn how to bring visuals to life on the page by writing scenes based on prompts, and will have the opportunity to read them aloud. Open to writers of all genres and skill levels.
This project 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.