Miami-Dade Public Library System

–Three month residency made possible by the Knight Foundation–

(MIAMI, MARCH 14, 2012) – The Miami-Dade Public Library System is seeking a dynamic and engaging Young Adult author to be its 2012 Young Adult Writer-in-Residence. The 2012 Young Adult Writer-in-Residence program is designed to encourage teens, 12-18, in the creative writing process during a three-month residency which will run from September through November 2012.  The program is made possible through the generous support of the Knight Foundation.

The selected author will mentor 20 teens and develop and present workshops to help them develop their writing skills and provide critique and feedback on short stories, poems, plays and novels which will be submitted online. To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have professionally published at least two young adult fiction books, have experience in teaching, writing, mentoring or as a manuscript evaluator or editor. The selected author will be subject to an official background check.

To apply, please submit a resume (include a list of literary publications and experience in conducting writing courses, workshops, editing, etc.),  a statement of personal mentoring philosophy, a description of a personal writing project which may be worked on during the residency and a 2-3 minute video introducing yourself to the teens that may be participating in the program. (If selected, video may be used for promotion of program). Applications must be submitted by e-mail to writerinresidence@mdpls.org. Deadline: Friday, March 30, 2012. Contact Cynthia Bermudez at 305.667-6121 with questions. 

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About the Miami-Dade Public Library System
The Miami-Dade Public Library System strives to be a compelling community destination by providing a five-star customer service experience. With 49 branches and four bookmobiles the library proudly serves more than eight million visitors each year. Visit www.mdpls.org for more information.

About the Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.KnightFoundation.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Victoria Galan - Public Affairs Officer
Tel. 305.375.5180, galanv@mdpls.org