Experience Summary
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing--specifically poetry. Dozens of my poems have been published in print and online. I am a founding editor of The California Journal of Poetics for which I write, edit, and publish book reviews, interviews, essays, criticism, and other bits and pieces about poets and their writing. I have also taken several graduate level courses and workshops in the writing of novels, short stories, micro-fiction, and creative nonfiction. I have worked with some of the best writers in the world. I was the recipient of a creative writing scholarship and a creative writing fellowship during my undergraduate studies.
I do not have any formal teaching experience but after dozens of workshops, wherein the writers had to share and critique each other's work, I learned how to communicate praise, suggestions, criticisms, and other thoughts about one's writing in a way that is constructive, motivating, and positive. I believe that excellent teachers and mentors are the reason for my confidence as a writer and for my confidence in assisting others with their reading and writing. I also have experience tutoring students from the ages of 5 to 21 in a range of subjects due to the number of requests I get from friends and family to assist their children with their homework. I come from a family of educators and have a passion for communicating thoughts, ideas, and techniques with others.
Teaching Style
I am all about positivity. I believe in constructive feedback and intelligent discussion. I am patient and willing to approach a subject or issue from many angles until the student is comfortable with the material. I believe that passionate teachers create passionate students. I want people to love this stuff as much as I do!
My Hobbies
Writing, photography, hiking, snorkeling, painting, cooking, decorating, floral design, camping, concerts, listening to music, spending time with good people.
| Creative Writing |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing--specifically poetry. Dozens of my poems have been published in print and online. I am a founding editor of The California Journal of Poetics for which I write, edit, and publish book reviews, interviews, essays, criticism, and other bits and pieces about poets and their writing. I have also taken several graduate level courses and workshops in the writing of novels, short stories, micro-fiction, and creative nonfiction. I have worked with some of the best writers in the world. I was the recipient of a creative writing scholarship and a creative writing fellowship during my undergraduate studies. |
| English |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing/Poetry. I made the Dean's list nearly every semester during my undergraduate studies and maintained a 3.9-4.0 throughout my graduate studies. I received both a scholarship and a fellowship for creative writing. I was a volunteer editor for Poetry International Magazine and am a founding editor of The California Journal of Poetics. |
| Grammar |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| In addition to a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry, I have more than a decade of editing experience. I was a volunteer editor for Poetry International Magazine and am a founding editor of The California Journal of Poetics. I am a stickler for grammar, spelling, and syntax. Typos and other errors stick out to me as if illuminated by neon lights. My colleagues often come to me for when they need something proofread. |
| Poetry |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing--specifically poetry. Dozens of my poems have been published in print and online. I am a founding editor of The California Journal of Poetics for which I write, edit, and publish book reviews, interviews, essays, criticism, and other bits and pieces about poets and their writing. I have also taken several graduate level courses and workshops in the writing of novels, short stories, micro-fiction, and creative nonfiction. I have worked with some of the best writers in the world. I was the recipient of a creative writing scholarship and a creative writing fellowship during my undergraduate studies. Please note that my expertise lies in the writing of poetry and the analysis of poetry. I am not an expert in the history of poetry and poets, although I do have some experience in those areas. |
| Reading |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Reading is a huge part of my life and was at the core of my undergraduate and graduate studies which required that I read more than a thousand books. |
| Reading Comprehension |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have decades of experience in breaking stories and other writings apart technically, creatively, and otherwise. My undergraduate and graduate studies required that I read and analyze more than a thousand books. |
| Spelling |
Proficiency: Expert
|
| Spelling has always come natural to me. As a writer and editor it is essential to everything I do. |
| Writing |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| I have been writing since I could hold a pencil. What I love most about writing is that it combines my love of language with my love of visual art. I can create images with words! This love lead me to a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing/Poetry, numerous private workshops with world renowned writers, and dozens of original poems published in literary journals around the country. My writing experience includes essays (in any subject), fiction, nonfiction, and creative nonfiction. I am also an editor and a ghostwriter. |