MY INVOLVEMENT IN THE LITERARY
AND WRITING COMMUNITY
THE KEROUAC PROJECT OF ORLANDO
(A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION)
Committed to Community
As the Vice President of Operations for the Kerouac Project of Orlando and the historic house where Jack Kerouac wrote his novel The Dharma Bums, I serve the local writing community by overseeing the preservation of this significant literary landmark. I assist in coordinating residencies for writers, managing outreach efforts to promote the house's programs and events, and ensuring the smooth functioning of our facilities. I also work closely with the board of directors to develop initiatives that further our mission of supporting emerging writers and celebrating literary heritage. Through these efforts, I aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive literary culture in our community, honoring Kerouac's legacy while nurturing the creativity of future generations.
LITERARY AND WRITING CONFERENCES
Clean and Professional
As an assistant editor for Ghost Parachute, I contribute to the literary community by publishing both experienced and up-and-coming authors, writers, and visual artists. Drawing on the editorial and analytical skills honed through writing workshops and publishing classes, I've applied myself to the literary journal publishing industry. Additionally, I've participated in and hosted tables at several conferences, including the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference (AWP) from 2017 to 2022. These conference experiences afford me the chance not only to highlight the work of other writers and artists but also to deeply engage with the national writing community.
PUBLIC READINGS
Meaningful Impact
As a writer, I typically find solace behind a laptop screen and keyboard. Yet, to gain recognition for my work, I must often step out of my comfort zone and share my writing aloud before unfamiliar audiences. Despite initially feeling apprehensive, the experience is always enjoyable and invigorating. I've taken part in several public readings, including the Featured Performer at The Short Attention Span Storytelling Hour hosted by Writers of Central Florida and Thereabouts... at Stardust Video & Coffee (February, 2023). Engaging in such events not only allows me to showcase my writing but also aids in refining my public speaking abilities. This practice proves invaluable for future teaching engagements and when persuading publishers of the value in investing in my work.
![[Un]sheltered On Set.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/944d62_ec9d879bba19477297edcc2e104f127e~mv2_d_3024_4032_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_123,h_163,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/944d62_ec9d879bba19477297edcc2e104f127e~mv2_d_3024_4032_s_4_2.jpg)
FILM
Visualize It
As a screenwriter, my contribution to the literary community takes a unique form. While the designation of screenwriters as literary agents is debated due to its relatively recent emergence, I firmly believe that we play a vital role within the literary landscape. On film sets, I apply the skills honed through script writing and film production classes, leveraging them to bring stories to life. This hands-on experience not only allows me to utilize my expertise but also facilitates networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.
As a result, these connections have led to the creation and production of my own feature film. The image shared here captures a moment from the filming of UNSHELTERED, the horror film I had the privilege to co-write. Through networking within the literary community, I not only forge valuable professional relationships but also collaborate to realize both my own creative vision and those of my peers on the silver screen.
PODCAST
Working Title: A Literary Arts Podcast is a literary citizenship project founded by the Fall 2019 cohort candidates in the MFA Creative Writing program at the University of Central Florida.
Our episodes feature in-studio readings from the UCF literary community, interviews and readings from published faculty and students, seasonal readings such as our inaugural “Spooky Stories” episode, craft round-tables, and special events such as public readings and conference reports.
Working Title: A Literary Arts Podcast is an independent project produced with the support of the University of Central Florida MFA in Creative Writing Program, the Department of English, and the College of Arts and Humanities.
Wondering who’s behind the podcast?
You can see our participants on our Team page.