About JR

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I have published in various genres, including poetry,

creative nonfiction, short and novel-length fiction.

I earned a BA in Writing Arts, with a concentration in both 

Literature and Creative Writing, and an MFA in Creative Writing,

I also have extensive experience as an editor, managing editor

and publisher for both print and online literary magazines. 

I have been teaching Creative Writing at a university level

and working with creatives for over 15 years.

I began writing poetry and short stories

as a young child. I was fascinated and highly influenced by the classics,  fantasy, horror, sci-fi, romance, and contemporary literary fiction. But also, opera, theatre, dance, film, music and art.

You can imagine having all that rattling around a young girl's head without an outlet. 

I was lucky enough to study under many amazing

contemporary writers, artists and mentors

who encouraged me to use

all those influences in my writing.

I am influenced by a wide range of genres, styles and voices. But I also wanted to incorporate

the ever-changing contemporary landscape

into my stories. Since I could never see the reason for the dividing lines between genres,

I began blending craft elements from each

of those influences into my writing.

Sometimes, to find your voice,

you have to break the rules.