I hold a Ph.D. in English and Creative Writing, Fiction, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Nonfiction. My writing and research tend to focus on critical consciousness, misfit psyches, and healing, meditative practices. My goal is to help readers, writers, and students realize their full potential as smart and caring human beings in this wild, wild world.
More about me…
The picture above is of my dog and me. We’re in the backyard of the home where I grew up in New Jersey. Home is an important place. “Home is where the heart is, and my heart is anywhere you are,” sang Elvis Presley. People quite literally make a home.
The star design on my homepage is a replica of my first tattoo and represents my family. When I was seventeen years old, I persuaded my parents to give their legal permission for me to get it. “That way, you can make sure the place is clean,” I argued. “And the tattoo is for you. For us.” Now a scholar, I look back and compliment myself on my argument skills. But jokes aside, I recognize that without my parents, I would not have had the tremendous opportunity to explore more deeply the interests they allowed me to cultivate as a teenager.
The stars on the back of my neck are solid black, but the ones on my homepage are outlined in turquoise. I decided on turquoise because I wish to stand in solidarity with those who work in suicide prevention. A large part of what motivates my work is the drive to help teenagers who feel left out, unheard, or unable to speak. As a former teen who sometimes felt this way, I believe there can be a way out of what can feel immutable or inevitable. As a writer and instructor, I strive to show a path.
If you would like to learn more about me or what I do, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email me at clsusser@gmail.com anytime.
The Business Stuff
Editorial Experience
In the past, I have helped personal memoir projects come to fruition using self-publishing software. I have also filled various editorial roles for several publications, which you can see listed in my CV. If you are interested in hiring me for editorial services, please e-mail me at clsusser@gmail.com with the subject line “Editing Help”.
Tutoring and Teaching
I am currently teaching writing and literature at UNT, and tutor in English and Writing privately in my “down time.” In addition, I have also led several creative writing workshops in local communities. Please e-mail me for inquiry.
Lastly, I am a 200-hr certified yoga teacher with extensive experience teaching Chair Yoga. I love to serve local communities and believe that yoga in all its forms should be accessible to all. Please let me know if you would like to learn more.
Carly Susser 