Writer-in-Residence

The Dr. Herb Voigt Writer-in-Residence Program

The Milton Public Library Writer-in-Residence (WIR) program was established to honor and memorialize a longtime Library supporter, Dr. Herbert Voigt.  Serving as both a Library Trustee and a Director of the Library Foundation, Dr. Voigt championed library services and in particular the providing of a space to explore creativity.

The WIR is an aspiring or published writer who furthers the Library’s fundamental mission by using their time to create an original piece of work and sharing their expertise through creating and offering library programming.

Make a Donation to the Dr. Herb Voigt Fund

 

Have an idea for programming or feedback to share? Email Regan Mulcahy at rmulcahy@milton.ocln.org.

Upcoming Programs

 

Keep it Brief! Writing the Very Short Story

Monday | November 16 | 6:30 PM

Are you curious about writing fiction, but don’t know where to begin? Does the idea of writing a 20-page story or novel feel overwhelming? Learning about flash fiction (works under 1000 words) is a fun, accessible entry point to writing fiction.

We’ll start by reading several pieces of flash: the most famous being Ernest Hemingway’s “For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn.” After a short discussion on craft, participants will respond to several prompts and leave with new ideas for a piece of flash or the spark for a longer story. Writers of all levels are welcome.

Registration is encouraged (registrants will receive a reminder email), and will open three weeks before the event.

 

Keep it Brief! Writing the Very Short Memoir

Tuesday | December 1 | 6:30 PM

Everyone has a story to tell about their life. Are you curious about writing this story, but don’t know where to begin? Does the idea of writing a 20-page non-fiction essay or full-length memoir feel overwhelming? If so, this event is for you! Flash memoir (a personal story under 1000 words) is a fun, accessible way to begin exploring your story.

We’ll start by reading several pieces of flash nonfiction and completing writing exercises to generate new material. Participants can expect to walk away with ideas for new projects. Writers of all levels are welcome.

Registration is encouraged (registrants will receive a reminder email) and will open three weeks before the event.

 

Kat Gonso has been selected as the 2026-2028 Dr. Herb Voigt Writer-in-Residence

The Milton Public Library is excited to announce that local writer Kat Gonso has been selected as the 2026-2028 Dr. Herb Voigt Writer-in-Residence.

Kat Gonso (she/her) is an award-winning writer, educator, voracious reader, and proud Glover mom. Her short prose has been widely published and has received numerous accolades, including the Gover Flash Fiction Prize, The Southeast Review’s World’s Best Short-Short Story Contest, and inclusion in the Wigleaf Top 50 list of best very short fiction. Kat is a Professor of the Practice in English at Boston College, working with first-generation college students. She earned her M.F.A. from Emerson College, where she teaches in the graduate creative writing program as an affiliated faculty member. Previously, she taught at Northeastern University, serving as Director of First-Year Writing and Director of the Writing Center. In 2024, she received the Outstanding Teaching Award from Northeastern University’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Kat brings a collaborative, student-centered approach to her classrooms, workshops, and mentoring. She is eager to work with all members of the Milton community, from emerging readers and passionate book lovers to aspiring writers, seasoned authors, and students of all ages.

We invite you to read some of Kat’s work, including Puberty, Daniel, and Love Spell.

 

Past Programs with Kat Gonso

 

Meet the Writer-in-Residence

Wednesday | October 28 | 7 PM

The community was invited to meet and welcome Kat Gonso and learn about some of the programs she will be leading as the Writer-in-Residence.

 

About the Dr. Herb Voigt Writer-in-Residence Program

The Milton Public Library Writer-in-Residence is an aspiring or published writer, residing in Milton, MA who furthers the library’s fundamental mission through the creation of an original piece of work and sharing their expertise through developing and offering library programming.

The Milton Writer-in-Residence Selection Committee selects a Milton Public Library Writer-in-Residence for a one- or two-year term.

The Writer-in-Residence will participate in the following activities:

1. Endeavor to complete an original piece of work while in residence.
2. Provide a variety of public programs; these can be a combination of original programming and partnership with the Library on existing programs
3. Provide scheduled availability to give guidance to other aspiring local writers
4. Participate in promotional engagements for the Milton Public Library as related to the WIR program

Dr. Herb Voigt was a member of the Library Board of Trustees from 2012 until his passing in 2018. Dr. Voigt was a committed Library supporter, both as a Trustee and a member of the Milton Library Foundation. In addition to Dr. Voigt’s distinguished scientific and academic career, he was a lover and supporter of the arts. This Writer-in-Residence program celebrates Dr. Voigt’s commitment to libraries and to the arts.