The word doctor is in

For all of those wannabe wordsmiths and hotshot writers, the St. Albert Public Library is about to launch a new service in the person of Natasha Deen, the library's new regional writer in residence.

She's ready to offer words of wisdom to future novelists and diarists alike.

"Any kind of writer is going to be fine with me," she said, pledging to help with the mechanics and business of writing, creating the right environment and attitude for writing, and other important facets of being a successful writer.

"Writing is empowerment," she said during a coffee shop interview, later adding, "I've been lucky because all of my friends and family have supported me but I've met writers who their friends look at them and say, 'Why can't you get a real job?' or 'This writing thing will never work out.' "

Clearly she knows about the emotional support that is so important to writers both young and old, but she's also able to offer tips about character development, plot, pacing, genre and, for those who are ready to take the big plunge, words of advice on getting into the publishing game.

"The writing industry is changing so quickly, I think, especially when you're first starting out. It can feel like the ground isn't very steady. It's just such a nice thing to be able to touch base with someone and just get that second opinion or get someone who's not quite as close to the story to look at it objectively, and really to be a form of support and a cheerleader."

The author of True Grime, Feuding Hearts, What Happens in Vegas, and Sneakers, Sandals, & Stilettoes: Fairy tales for the Well-Heeled Princess is sharpening her pencils and prepping her listening skills to help guide writers of all stripes. She knows the ins and outs to pen those perfect words and get them published.

In addition to writing fiction, she has worked for government agencies and non-profit groups dedicated to helping functionally illiterate adults and differently-abled people, according to her brief biography in the St. Albert Public Library's January newsletter.

She has also worked as a writing instructor with the Young Alberta Book Society, Edmonton Public Library, Metro Continuing Education, WordsWorth Writing Camp, the Writers Guild of Alberta and YouthWrite. As she embarks on her residency in St. Albert, she will also be visiting area schools to talk to students about writing.

Deen knows all about the blood, sweat and tears that go into writing. The genial and affable writer can talk about rejection letters as easily and reassuringly as she talks about breaking the rules of convention for the sake of style.

"To just have someone who's there with you in the trenches and to be able to say 'hold my hand, we'll get through this together,' I think that's really important for writers."

Even though she has only been writing for seven years, she has already gained much acclaim. Her novel, Ethan's Chase, was nominated for a 2008 CAPA Award for excellence in romance. What Happens in Vegas won the 2012 International Digital Book Award.

While she takes frantic phone calls from frazzled writers, she will also be hard at work on her next novel, a murder mystery set in Edmonton in the 1970s.

Subhed tk

To help facilitate open discussions with prospective paperback writers, Deen will be holding office hours from January through April, the end of her term as regional writer in residence.

She will be ready, willing and able to discuss your writing project starting Thursday, Jan. 3 from noon to 5 p.m. Deen will hold the same hours on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Jan. 6, she will be in her office from 1 to 5 p.m.

For a full schedule, please visit www.sapl.ab.ca/page/our-new-writer-residence-natasha-deen.

To learn more about the writer, please visit www.natashadeen.com.

Deen and Omar Mouallem are the two current co-regional writers in residence at the Edmonton Public Library. After Deen's term in St. Albert finishes in April, she goes on to the Strathcona County Library and the Fort Saskatchewan Public Library. They both get a summer break in July and August before holding office hours again in the fall.

Mouallem is a National Magazine Awards nominated writer who has contributed to various publications including the Globe and Mail, enRoute, Eighteen Bridges, South China Morning Post and HipHopDx.com. He is also known by his stage name, AOK (Assault of Knowledge).