About JR
My background
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.
JR's Writing Roots
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.
JR's style
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.
