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Local Author Quarterly
Welcome!!
Welcome to the Local Author Quarterly

Welcome to 2025!  The Local Author Quarterly is a Library newsletter highlighting library events of interest to writers of all kinds. Whether you are a poet, a novelist, a journalist or a biographer, we're excited to share resources with you.   
 
Keep writing!

Wednesday May 7, 5 PM
 
Save the date — Wednesday, May 7, 5 p.m.— for The Friends of Los Gatos Library Annual Meeting, featuring a talk by author Susan Hensley about her new book, Art for Your Sanity: How Art Journaling Can Help You Manage Chaos and Unleash Joy. Hensley, whose professional background includes change leadership and journalism, describes discovering art journaling at a time she was contemplating retirement from a demanding HR job, made even more demanding by the COVID-19 pandemic. After attending an introductory workshop on the technique, she realized that it could be a powerful tool for her as she navigated a stressful life transition. In her talk, Hensley will describe the tools needed to get started in art journaling— notebook, paints, glue, pencils, pens, crayons and collage materials—and how it can create a safe space to explore one’s feelings, gain insights and open up to playfulness.
 
 
Office Hours with the Poet Laureate
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This Summer, join the Poet Laureate on Zoom for montly office hours.   Share your work, get feedback, and ask questions.  
 
William will be hosting office hours from 12-2  on:
Sunday May 4
Sunday June 8
Sunday July 13
Sunday August 3
 
Find the Zoom link on our calendar. 
 
You can email the Poet Laureate at poet@losgatosca.gov
Guided Meditation for Art Creation
Sunday May 25 at 11 AM
Come join us as we create a piece of art while utilizing mindful art techniques.
 
Registration required, spots are limited.  Register here starting May 4.  
 
                              
 
Mindful Art is a wonderful practice that encourages relaxation and mindfulness, aiding individuals in managing stress, anxiety, and emotions. This event will be focusing on self-love and self-compassion.
 
This approach emphasizes being fully present and focused during the art-making process, rather than focusing on the final product. 
 
Led by Makiko from Mindful Art Sanctuary!
 
 
Author Talks
For regular, monthly inspiration, check out these recurring events for authors.  
Online Author Talks
Find some inspiration when you need it. Check out this collection of author talks, available from wherever you are. Several new talks are added monthly, visit the calendar for a complete schedule. You can join in the conversation live, or view the recording later.  Upcoming authors include:
 
  • How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
  • On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang
  • How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us with Author Rachelle Bergstein
  • Extinctopedia–A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About it with Smithsonian Scientists
  • Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell
  • Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate (3rd-6th Grade)
  • Drawing Your World with Raúl The Third (PK-2nd Grade)
  • Discerning the Truth with Marie Lu (9th-12th Grade)
  • Illuminating Hope and Grace in the Face of Hardship with Rex Ogle (5th-8th Grade)
  • On the Strangeness and Wonder of our Brains with Pria Anand
Listen to past author talks or see a complete list of authors.

Writing Instruction on Kanopy
Did you know that Kanopy has dozens of courses on film to help you become a better writer?  It's all free with your Los Gatos Library Card.  
 
Explore Writing Instruction on Kanopy
 
 
 
 
Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques
 
Writing great fiction isn't a gift reserved for a talented few - the craft of storytelling can be learned. Even if you don't dream of penning the next Moby-Dick, you'll enjoy exploring the elements of fiction. A wealth of exercises will get you writing so that you can practice the many techniques you learn. From evoking a scene to charting a plot, this course is a master class in storytelling.
Becoming a Great Essayist
 
If you have a clever anecdote, an interesting memory, a new way to explain how something works, or an opinion on a social or political issue, then you have an essay in you. Unlike a novel, history book, or scientific publication, essays provide you with the versatility to express all the various facets that make you you. The concise and direct nature of an essay means that you may tap into your sense of wit, share your individual point of view, persuade others to your perspective, and record a part of your memories for future generations in as many distinct essay forms as you wish.
Writer's Satchel
Need some inspiration?

Check out one of our Writer's Satchels. This kit has everything you need to move past a case of writer's block. Writing prompts, story cubes, a poetry kit, and inspiring words from Mary Oliver. Great for writers of all ages! 
 
Put one on hold here.  
Los Gatos Library
100 Villa Avenue, Los Gatos, California 95030
(408) 354-6891
library.losgatosca.gov