Elaina ParsonsToms River, NJWriter/Educator
Over the course of six years I have worn three very important hats. First, I have been a writing instructor for adults in memoir-style courses at my local community college. In these courses, I have taught adults aged 18 through 85 how to write and organize information from their lives into readable paragraphs and essays.
I've been an editor at Vine Leaves Press where my duties range from reading new manuscripts across genres for accessibility and solid narrative--both fiction and nonfiction. After reading the new manuscripts, I evaluate the project in 1,000 words, so that a decision can be made from the EIC whether or not to purse publication. I also work in micro fiction, reading and formatting 50-word stories in a digital arena. I see this project from its digital daily distribution, all the way to its printed edition after a full year.
Lastly, I write my own nonfiction, essay-centric books. I understand how to developmental edit bushels of words and ideas from first draft to publication. I have a young adult novel, a short story collection, and a memoir collection published by two small presses.
I am a NJ-certified general education teacher and a certified teacher of students with disabilities. My speciality is writing and reading: ELA.
My philosophy as an instructor is that every student has a unique voice, and one that is important and valuable.
