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.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
TIME TO CELEBRATE?
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Is it too early to celebrate? I just signed a contract for the publication of my next book, a mystery. It won't be out until October or November. I know, "There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip," etc.
But--why not luxuriate in the excitement and joy available in the moment?
I celebrated when I signed my first contract with my first agent---a relationship that ended amicably over artistic differences. But I don't regret the pleasure I felt, the validation of having someone in a position to judge the merits of my writing, show their confidence in me.
Every hope and dream won't come true, especially in your writing life. I could concentrate on the times the email or letter said, "We want to publish," or "You've won first prize or I could become depressed about all the rejections I've gotten for stories, novels, and my favorite novella, still waiting to be recognized."
I choose to celebrate.