Her plays have been featured in New Jersey and Pennsylvania theaters. Her short stories, including six first-prize winners, have appeared in various print and online literary journals.
Her published work includes a mystery, CRIMSON ICE, and a collection of short works, FATEFUL ENCOUNTERS, COLLECTED STORIES & PLAYS.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joanne Weck novelist, playwright, and short story author is inspired by family history. Many of her tales are set in rural northeastern Pennsylvania where she grew up. Her mother, a natural storyteller instilled in her a love of poetry, drama, and biblical stories.
With degrees in English and Theater (University of Pittsburgh) she also draws on experiences as an actress, director, and teacher. One of her favorite creative projects was mentoring YAWT (Young Artists’ Workshop Theater) for teen writers and actors.
Photo by Elisa Chalem
When she was a teacher, most recently at Union Township High School in New Jersey, Weck also wore many hats, teaching creative writing, theater and television production, in addition to sponsoring a Young Artists’ Workshop play festival.
Since her retirement, she’s devoted herself to writing. Her first novel, Crimson Ice, was inspired by a challenge – when she complained about how formulaic mystery novels could be, her sister dared her to write one. That’s exactly what Weck did.
“I’ve had so many students who have written to me and said, ‘Oh, I’ve ordered your book! Can’t wait to read it,’” she said.
.png)
Sunday, April 12, 2015
PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
As a child I wrote poetry, stories, and plays. As a young adult I sent out my first novel to one prospective publisher and had it rejected. I went into a downward spiral of self doubt and anxiety and didn't write again for a long time. Anxiety can cripple your writing process. For years I "prepared" to write, jotting down ideas, organizing my desk, reading articles about developing story ideas and getting published--anything except actually writing. How did I break through my years (actual years) of doubt and procrastination?
I was assigned to teach a class in Creative Writing and found that I needed to put myself in the same position as my students. I undertook the same writing assignments I gave them. I encouraged them to share their work and I began sending my own stories to journals and online magazines.
After my first story was accepted for publication it became much easier.
Still, after twelve published short stories, (four first prize winners in contests) one mystery, and various plays produced, I still have these moments of anxiety and self doubt. Meditation helps. Self hypnosis helps.