Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I’m from Southern California, and grew up in a town called Yorba Linda in Orange County, most famous for being the birthplace of Richard Nixon.
What sparked you to become a writer? How did your literary journey begin?
I grew up watching lots of TV and movies, particularly animation and comedies, so I spent a lot of class and spare time drawing my own characters or making staple books with my childhood best friend. My desire to be a screenwriter eventually expanded to include other formats like short stories, poetry, and personal essays as I read more in those genres that inspired me. I know I like something I’m reading when part of my brain starts to think how I might write something like it.
What is your favorite kind of chocolate?
Dark, slavery-free, with some kind of nut butter.
Have you ever struggled to write something, or are there certain genres or forms of writing you just don’t like or feel confident in?
I struggle at some point in almost everything I write, even though I dabble in almost forms. One of the difficult parts of the creative lifestyle is how unpredictable the process is each time. There are works that emerge complete in a single session every now and then, usually arising from a hard earned emotional state, but otherwise a lot of what I write is the product of multiple cycles of frustration followed by renewed inspiration when I least expect it.
How do you deal with writer’s block and/or the urge to do anything else but sit down and write?
All kinds of ways. Sometimes I pivot to another project that doesn’t feel as daunting. Sometimes I step away and return when I am feeling more inspired. Sometimes I give myself a beverage or snack to reward myself for doing it anyway. Sometimes I take my phone or a tape recorder on a walk to talk out what’s intimidating me or make progress on the project without having to sit still for so long.
Can you share an example of how your experience shapes the way you teach?
I didn’t grow up in an artsy or outdoorsy family. I discovered my love of these subjects mostly independently, by observing and feeling deeply how pieces of writing or nature outings affected and changed my perspective. Therefore, when I teach, I try to maintain a focus on the innate benefits of both writing and natural exploration. It’s easy in a competitive field like literature to get in our critical minds and prevent ourselves from creating in the first place. I see my job as a teacher in part to create a space where people feel they have permission to make mistakes, to put what they have to say out there before they’re quite sure what it is. That way they have a chance to connect over the process of writing and see reflections on how it develops from others. I know I’m sensitive to competition, so I want to consciously shift that for my whole classes towards collaboration and acceptance of wherever we’re at on our creative journeys.
How do you describe your teaching style?
I described my teaching style as playful, respectful, and non hierarchical. Setting expectations for how we’ll spend our time together at the outset is key for giving us all a roadmap for our time together. I relish getting the chance to talk about subject matter that interests me, but I always want to create space for questions and dialogue so the students’ passions and expertise can come out and compliment whatever I’m bringing to the table. I generally have a pretty clear plan for how I conduct class, but then in the moment I am open to pivoting as mine in the classes interest guides us.
Can you share an example of a teaching moment that was particularly rewarding for you?
I’m a sucker for compliments. While actually teaching, it can be hard to know or gauge how well the knowledge and passion around my subject matter is coming across. So when someone who wasn’t perhaps obviously engaged throughout then goes out of their way to tell me how much they appreciated my lesson and teaching style, it tends to stick with me. Plus, when I’ve substitute taught, if a child gives me a drawing or a pokémon card they made, that’s always heartwarming.
Upcoming classes you might enjoy
Nap-a-thon: a fundraiser for people who are tired. Which, statistically, is everyone.
Nap Ambassador sign ups close Sept 30.
Napping and fundraising happens Oct 1-31.
Come share a meal with other writers and talk shop—craft, process, money, motivation, publishing, rejection, weird writing habits, and whatever’s currently living rent-free in your brain.
Friday, Sept 18 | Noon–1:30 pm
Ages 18+
Get your novel out of your head and onto the page in this 6-month novel-writing cohort with Daryll Lynne Evans.
Begins October 5 | Ages 18+
A 12-week, 6-session critique class for writers ready to move their work forward—with kind, constructive feedback and a welcoming crew of fellow creatives.
Every other Tuesday. Fall Memoir/Creative Nonfiction cohort starts Oct 6, 2026 | Age 16+
A 4-week writing accountability and co-working group to help you make real, steady progress on your writing.
Wednesdays 3-4:30 pm | In person or online | Next cohort starts Oct 7, facilitated by Daryll Lynne Evans | Age 16+
Share your words in sweet community at our monthly open mic emceed by spoken word poet Jorah LaFleur.
Second Thursdays, September through June | Age 14+