Creative Writing: What I’m Working On
For several years, one of my primary creative outlets was writing original dramas and adaptations for Chatterbox Audio Theater, a nonprofit that produced 100 shows over 10 years. I loved volunteering with Chatterbox as a writer, supporter, and Board member. Listen to any or all of their shows online.
More recently, I’ve returned to my first love — poetry — as both a reader and writer. Exploring the medium with a deep sense of exploration has felt like breaking free from a calcified shell of old imagery, rhythms, habits. I write harder, deeper, more often, and far more thoughtfully now — and find myself increasingly rewarded with work I believe is worth sharing.
My main creative project these days is a first novel. Or first of three, since the darned thing is evolving into a series. It started with a short story for a creative writing class that had a silly little nothing of a plot — but I loved the characters and could not abandon them to a dusty (digital) file cabinet. Retaining their original spirits and relationships while expanding their story is a complicated process, studded with challenges and rewards. Every day is an adventure.
Previous Creative Work and Awards
Audio Drama
The Fisherman and His Soul — Chatterbox Audio Theater, March 2015
(adaptation, story by Oscar Wilde)
Halloween Show 2014 — Chatterbox Audio Theater, October 2014
“Witch Not, Want Not” (begins approx. 01:25)
“Orpheus” (begins approx. 45:44)
Halloween Show 2011 — Chatterbox Audio Theater, October 2011
“Leila” (begins approx. 11:55)
Halloween Show 2010 — Chatterbox Audio Theater, October 2010
“Burning Cold” (begins approx. 10:50)
Moon-Face — Chatterbox Audio Theater, April 2010
(adaptation, story by Jack London)
Halloween Show 2009, Part 1 — Chatterbox Audio Theater, October 2009
“Boil” (begins approx. 09:25)
Nonfiction
Bell Tower — Christian Brothers University, Fall 2017
“Two Sides of the Same Coin: Rosa Deal School of Arts Building Comes to Life, Reflecting Both Tradition and the Future” (pp. 12-17)
“No Excuses, No Limits: A Transformative Education Leads to a Life Helping Others Succeed” (pp. 18-21)
Poetry
“Son” — Bud & Branch from Green Ink Poetry, December 2022
“The Swallows Come” — The Oregonian, December 29, 1974
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Awards
Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition, 1994
Honorable Mention, Script and TV/Movie category
“Star Trek: The Next Generation — The Verdict of Time” (spec script)
Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition, 1992
Honorable Mention, Script and TV/Movie category
“Quantum Leap — It’s a Dog’s Life” (spec script)
National Federation of Local Cable Programmers, Hometown USA Video Festival, 1988
First Place, Performing Arts Category
Innervisions: Arts in the Community
(video editor, documentary series)
Follow Melibrary book shelves image by StockSnap on Pixabay