Bio
I have pursued writing since age 13, when I wrote my first poem about rain sounding like cats' paws on a roof. An obsessive reader who spent a lot of time as a kid at the local library checking out age-inappropriate books, I've spent most of my life developing my love of words into a craft that feeds my soul and makes a living. I moved to New York from Seattle to go to college, and then stayed for 15 years. Eventually, I was drawn back to the Pacific Northwest, and moved to Portland with my family in 2012.
Background
A writer of fiction, memoir, journalism, and commercial copy, I earned my BA in English and MFA in Fiction in NYC. I've worked as a both a staff and freelance copywriter and copy director for corporations, and literary and non-profit organizations. Inspired by my experiences at White Box Gallery, Dissent magazine, and the Brooklyn Public Library, I'm drawn to work that champions justice, raises awareness of the climate crisis, and advocates for all people to live in peace and health.
Publications
“The Problem with Yucca Mountain,” State and Local Energy Report, April 2013
“Breathing Easier: Anti-Idling Technology at Tennessee Truck Stops,” State and Local Energy Report, November 2012
“Trapped: The Iraq War Veteran on Film,” Dissent, Summer 2008
“I Love You,” RagShock 4, January 2003
“Anyone,” New York Sex: Stories, Painted Leaf Press, November 1998
Readings & Events
2024 International Booklovers' Burlesque, "La Petite Mort"
Word Warriors monthly reading series, Portland, OR. June 2017 and October 2017
Earshot, Brooklyn, NY. December 2007
Awards
2006 Himan Brown Award for Fiction, Brooklyn College CUNY
Writing Residencies
Espy Foundation Writers Residency/ Willipa Bay AiR, Oysterville, WA. January 2007