About Gene Twaronite
Gene Twaronite is an award-winning Arizona poet, author, educator, and literary mentor whose work blends whimsy, surrealism, humor, and emotional depth. A longtime voice in the Southwest poetry community, Twaronite is known for poems that critics have described as “playfully haunting and hauntingly playful,” moving seamlessly from the absurd to the profound.
Originally from New England and now a devoted Sonoran Desert resident, Gene Twaronite has spent decades contributing to Arizona’s literary arts scene through poetry, fiction, workshops, and public readings. He currently leads poetry workshops for the University of Arizona OLLI program and recently served as Writer-in-Residence for the Pima County Public Library, mentoring emerging writers throughout Southern Arizona.
Award-Winning Arizona Poet
Gene Twaronite is the author of multiple poetry collections, including:
- Trash Picker on Mars — Winner of the 2017 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Arizona Poetry
- Death at the Mall: New and Selected Poems
- Shopping Cart Dreams
- What the Gargoyle Sees
His poetry explores imagination, mythology, desert life, nature, memory, and the strange beauty hidden within ordinary experiences. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, anthologies, and small press publications.
In addition to poetry, Gene is also the author of fiction, satire, and children’s literature, including:
- How to Eat Breakfast
- The Family That Wasn’t
- My Vacation in Hell
- The Absurd Naturalist
Many of Gene Twaronite’s books are available through Amazon and independent booksellers.
Literary Community and Teaching
Throughout his career, Gene Twaronite has remained committed to supporting fellow writers and building literary community. During his residency with the Pima County Public Library, he conducted workshops and one-on-one consultations with local writers, encouraging artists to trust their voices, seek constructive feedback, and pursue publication opportunities.
Reflecting on the writing process, Twaronite emphasizes that “we do not write alone,” highlighting the importance of editors, writing groups, and creative collaboration in helping writers grow and succeed.
Gene holds a Master’s degree in Education and continues to mentor poets and writers across Arizona.
Gene Twaronite Books and Publications
Readers searching for contemporary Arizona poetry, surreal poetry, humorous poetry, or Southwest literary voices will find Gene Twaronite’s work both imaginative and deeply human. His collections combine accessibility with literary craft, appealing to readers who enjoy modern poetry with wit, emotional resonance, and unexpected imagery.