Freelance Writer, Dramaturg, and Story Development Midwife
Artistic Statement
While I’ve been drawn to the arts since I was little—singing, dancing, musical theatre-ing, playing piano, learning ceramics, drawing—writing brought it all together.
Over time, I learned to follow my interests towards research, adaptation, stories of women in history, arts and culture, natural wonders, and youth-oriented work. I find storytelling, in its many forms, to be a powerful way for someone to gain understanding, shift perspective, and foster empathy.
I share similarities with Alice, who journeyed into wonderland with a sense of wonder, a readiness to try new things, and an unabashed willingness to ask questions. I am often sliding down a research rabbit hole, relishing the hidden discoveries such adventures bring. Maybe because I was a very serious child, I now appreciate the gift of surprise, the vitality of laughter, and the open-mindedness that comes with childhood. I particularly enjoy mixing imagination with reality. Perhaps I am raising my own inner Alice alongside my son.
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Bio
If cats have nine lives, writers must have ninety-nine. At least that has been true for me. Over the past four decades, I've lived the life of a bridal consultant, substitute teacher, sound board operator, travelling bookseller, and non-profit silent auction organizer. Some of my other lives have taken me towards working at a mock-trial company, supporting an environmental inspection agency, leading a literary festival, teaching in a charter elementary school, and organizing a global peace organization. All of which added to my pool of knowledge.
After studying Theater Arts at UC Irvine, with an emphasis on playwriting, I eventually followed with an MFA in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University. Over the last two decades, I worked in the story/literary departments of DreamWorks SKG, Mark Taper Forum, and San Diego Repertory Theatre (SD Rep), all of which deepened my knowledge of storytelling techniques and development processes. At SD Rep, as one of the Associate Artistic Directors, I kick-started a commission program for new diverse work, personally supporting each writer on a project they were longing to develop, and I helped create two new play reading festivals featuring writers of color.
I am the daughter of a Chemistry teacher, who approached his classroom like a stage for entertaining and engaging his young audiences, and an English teacher-turned principal who brought her love of theater and art of oration into every class. Together, they taught me to love learning, appreciate art, and recognize the alchemy of blending the two.
Currently living in the San Diego area, my wife and I tend our little zoo, which includes: a rock’n’roll son, a mystery-loving mother, three “Are you ready for a walk yet?” dogs, and an old fish—the survivor. My family and I enjoy being outdoors, eating across cultures, and discovering local artistic offerings.
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I am excited to see what my next adventures will bring, along with all the learning AND WRITING that comes with it.