ABOUT J. D. HELLEN

Personal

I believe in living a life that nurtures my true self, even when that nurturing is cut from a different cloth. I’m a lifelong learner, nature lover, and cat guardian. I prefer animated sitcoms over any other kind of TV show, find “new” songs in past decades, and really miss the internet that lauded AOL Instant Messenger.

Writing

Writing is my love, and I’ve been storytelling for as long as I can remember. Stories connect us, and language allows us to share experience. Whether it’s fiction, informational text, a blog entry, or an introspective Instagram post, I enjoy putting together words to bring readers into something, and I love when others’ words bring me to where they are.

I’m currently working on a portal fantasy novel and occasionally write short stories. I have a few published short stories you can read to get an idea of what my fiction is like. I whet my skills with professional copywriting and copy editing work, journaling, critique groups, and social media.

Other Professional

I finally made it to a career that utilizes my writing skills—after almost a decade working as a science teacher. My time in the classroom was good for me, though. It improved my communication and empathy, and I now have a broader appreciation for our world and universe. I also truly enjoy thinking about how and what people learn, and I’m especially passionate about supporting identity development.

Even though I don’t work in a classroom anymore, I still tap into my experience in school (on both sides of the desk) for my writing projects.