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.
Monday, April 27, 2015
STICKING YOUR NECK OUT
“I'd rather have cancer than a dishonest heart.”
TRUMAN CAPOTE
It can be hard to take on a controversial issue. In personal writing it can be nearly impossible to confront a painful topic. Does that mean it’s not worth writing about? What to do when you’re torn between being honest and hurting someone’s feelings? Is “hands off” the right policy?
Truman Capote famously alienated his “friends” by revealing them with all their warts and wrinkles, lies, hypocrisy, and pretensions. Maybe it’s not necessary to go that far, but is there a middle ground?
My approach to difficult subjects is to attempt whatever is pleading to be explored, no matter how painful or shameful or secret it feels. Let it come forth from my mind, heart, unconscious, or wherever it might be lurking in all its gory detail. Put it on paper or on the screen. Then let it simmer. Let it percolate. Let it ripen.
Review it later with a bit of distance and a calm mind. Is it urgent in its need for wider distribution? Is it something to share with a limited audience? Something that can be mined for fiction?
csPerhaps the answer is that it simply needed to be expressed. But if there’s a message or a great story, go for it. Be brave. Stick your neck out.