About

Although I’ve been writing professionally (i.e., getting paid) for almost two decades, I’ve actually been writing for most of my life.  I started a neighborhood newspaper - creatively titled Neighborhood News - when I was eight years old.  A few years later I began my lifelong appreciation for music, especially lyrics, and found myself writing poetry after listening to endless hours of The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and other artists of the late 1960s and 70s.

Once I reached high school I was writing reams of poetry that received positive feedback from two of my English teachers.  They encouraged me to delve into short stories.  Eventually, I began keeping a journal, writing essays, longer fiction pieces, and critiques.  Despite the stacks of spiral notebooks on my desk, reams of paper next to my typewriter (yes, this was back when computers weren’t in every home), and loose scraps scattered around my apartment, I never really considered submitting anything and trying to earn a living from writing.

And then I got married.

My wife was the one who encouraged me to pursue a writing career, to submit a few poems and short stories, and then helped me celebrate my first rejection (from the New Yorker...I figured, if I was going to be rejected, why not be rejected by the best?). I finally received that much-anticipated acceptance letter and realized that, hey, I really can do this.

In addition to having several poems and short stories published over the years, I’ve also freelanced for a variety of print and electronic publications, including: I have also authored one non-fiction book, Florida State University: Off the Record (2005) for CollegeProwler.  

I currently work as a full-time copywriter in the private sector and continue to freelance and pursue creative endeavors on the side.  Writing is in my blood, and I’ll continue to write as long as I am able.  

To wrap this up I have to admit that I’m proud to have such a varied writing background that gives me the ability to adapt to any format or situation.  For samples of my work, please check out my Portfolio or visit my blog, Rik’s Ink-Stained Hands. If you are interested in hiring me or would like a detailed résumé, you can reach me through the Contact page.

Thanks for stopping by.