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.
Over the last year or so, 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.
I’m also working on a novel that started out as a short story for a creative writing class. The original plot was rather silly, being based on a writing exercise, but I loved the characters. Retaining their original spirits and relationships while developing their new story into a full-length book is a complicated process. I’m still in the early stages and alternate between plotting, research, and writing by turns. 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