Joan Dempsey, Literary Living Founder & President
Literary Living was born in order for you to create the writing life of your dreams. I created mine; so can you!

As I write this I am sitting at my kitchen counter, looking out on what I hope is the final dusting of snow for 2011. I’m eating breakfast after a quiet morning of yoga, meditation, and reading, and I’m about to open my joural to capture some thoughts about my second novel, which is in its infancy. Later today I’ll send out query letters to agents about my first novel, and next week holds a plethora of literary events in this area: the Maine Festival of the Book, a night out to hear David Sedaris, a friend’s book launch party, and a staged reading of Ron Curie, Jr’s stories. This is my writing life!

Here are a few things you might want to know about what qualifies me to lead Literary Living:

• M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Antioch University, Los Angeles;
• Post-grad certificate in teaching creative writing from Antioch University Los Angeles;
• M.S. in Management from Lesley University;
• Experienced in Dialogue Education, an engaging and effective method for facilitating adult learning;
• Fiction published in Alligator Juniper, The Adirondack Review, and non-fiction on NPR;
• First novel is done, second has begun;
• Former President, Board of Trustees, Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more, here’s what people are saying about me and here’s a copy of my CV.

I’m excited to welcome you to Literary Living. Check us out by signing up for more information. Don’t worry, you won’t be obligated to buy a thing and I won’t give your e-mail to anyone, I promise!
Dawna Kemper, Writer & Creative Advisor
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given – and have learned from direct experience – is that, while craft and talent are important, it’s persistence that will lead a writer to her or his goals. And in my writing life, that persistence has been supported and encouraged by the circles of writers I feel connected to. We keep each other going. And, to me, that’s one of the most compelling benefits Literary Living has to offer.

What are my qualifications?

• Writer and educator living in Los Angeles;
• Short stories have appeared in the Colorado Review, The Idaho Review, The Florida Review, The Kenyon Review, Pearl, Santa Monica Review, and Quarterly West
• Nominated for a Pushcart Prize and named as a “Notable” story in the Best American Non-required Reading 2009 (Dave Eggers, editor);
• M.F.A. from Antioch University, Los Angeles
• Teach composition and literature at Santa Monica College
• Alumna of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers
• Long-time participant in Jim Krusoe’s weekly workshop in Santa Monica;
• Served for five years as editorial assistant at the Santa Monica Review literary journal, working with editor Andrew Tonkovich;
• Completed a collection of stories and currently working on a novel.

Welcome to the Literary Living community!
Helpful Friends and Supporters
SonnyDesign™ – You won’t find a more responsive, talented, and cost-effective graphic design team. Based in the Philippines, they do wonderful work around the world. They also do web development and admin support. Check ‘em out!

CNY Web Designs – I don’t know what I did before I found Larry Wilcox at CNY Designs! He’s my new favorite technical advisor. Personable, responsive, deeply knowledgeable and can translate tech speak beautifully for a non-techie like me - I highly recommend you check him out for your tech needs (and Web design).

Bobby Gus – Musician extraordinaire whose original score – “My Short Story” – is the Literary Living theme song – hear more Bobby Gus music and hire him in the Boston area to play for your next private party.

Writers
It’s a gift to have so many talented writing friends – these are the real writers who loaned their voices and images for the Literary Living video. Please visit them online, read their work and buy their books!

Christian Barter – Poet, “The Singers I Prefer”.

James Hayman – Author, “The Cutting” and “The Chill of the Night”

Christa Mastrangelo – Poet, yoga instructor

Mary Rechner – Author, “Hot Springs” and “Nine Simple Patterns for Complicated Women”

Natasha Yakovlev – Writer, memoir-in-progress