Christine McGuigan-Bruness
 Lyndhurst, New Jersey, United States Email: chatnoir@comcast.net
Home page: www.chatnoirstudios.com
Christine McGuigan-Bruness is a published author and artist who has been a creative free spirit her entire life. She lives in New Jersey with her beloved husband, Richard, and their two cherished cats: Daisy Love and Shadow Rose. The couple created a small backyard sanctuary, certified by the National Wildlife Federation, to promote wildlife in the area. Strays and visiting cats often visit and are always welcome and fed.
She has had hundreds of poems, articles, pieces, stories, short-short stories, letters, and guest editorials published in both print and on-line publications, such as Haiku Headlines, (was the "Featured Poet" in November 2002) Rolling Stone, Free Focus, Lilith, Frogpond, Flutter, Dreams of Decadence, Dreamspost.com, easygreenliving.net, Timepieces, Transcendent Visions, Poetry Sharings Journal, (was the "Featured Poet" in April 2001) The Observer, The Commercial Leader, The Casino Anthology, Useless Knowledge, Bolts of Silk, Bewildering Stories, Because We Write, Poetry Super Highway, (was the "Featured Poet of the Week", October 9-15 2006) The Starlite Cafe, Poets Haven, Poetic Musings, The Web Poetry Corner, (was selected by the webmaster as a "Featured Poet" in April 2001 for PSJ) The Cynic Online Magazine: Cafe Del Soul, SP Quill, Seasons, Haiku Haven, Roses and Rainbows, Voices, Poet's Ink Review, (was also included in The Best of Poet's Ink Review) Poet Express, OCEAN Magazine, Ancient Heart Magazine, A Hudson View, Charlotte's Web, Wonder Haiku Worlds, Associated Content: The People's Media Company, Buzzle.com, Spinnings...Intense Tales of Life, Poetic Hours, Skyline Magazine, Literary House Review, Poets Against War, Pondering Moments, World Peace Society, Propeace.net, 3 Lights Gallery: Promenade, Helium, eHow.com, Covert Poetics Journal, Subtle Tea, Zygote in My Coffee, etc.
Christine has been the recipient of forty writing/literary awards, including the Rose/Rosemary Zienteck 2000 Literary Award for her book: Imbalance, An Experimental Collection of Micro Stories and Poetry, the 2000 New Jersey Writer of the Year Award, four Readers' Choice Awards for her work in Haiku Headlines, winner of the 2007 Useless Knowledge 500 Word Story Contest, winner of both the 1998 Garden State Writers' Challenge for Poetry, and the 1998 Tri-State Short-Short Story Contest. In May 2008, Christine won the Covert Press 2008 Poetry Chapbook Contest for her book: Alley Cat.
She has given readings and book signings at both major chains and independently owned bookstores and has taught writing and poetry workshops.
Christine's artwork has been exhibited in many group exhibitions, two two-person shows, and several solo art exhibits. Her artwork has also been published, and has appeared in Wild Violet Magazine, WOMB, 63 Channels, Bewildering Stories, Ken*Again, Skyline Publications, Covert Poetics Journal, Subtle Tea, and Associated Content: The People's Media Company. In 2005, she received an arts grant from the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission for her original, abstract artwork. In February 2008, Christine appeared as the "Featured Artist" for both Indie In-Tune and Carpe Nocturne.
Christine has a BA with a writing concentration from William Paterson University. She also completed the post baccalaureate teaching certification program at WPU with honors.
She has experience as a freelance book editor, writer, manuscript evaluator, public relations director, and as an ESL teacher.
Mottos: "I choose to be free"; "Peace is attainable and it begins within"; and: "Never trust someone who isn't kind to animals!"
Personal Statement: "I am a lover of cats, birds, wolves, (All animals, actually!) butterflies, and flowers, a creator of nonlinear art, and a believer in freedom of thought. I respect the infinite power of nature, understand that peace begins within, and recognize the great potential of dreams and imagination."
Greatest inspiration: "Cats."
On Creativity: “I write and create art because I am strongly compelled to do so by a mysterious force within. It is a magical part of me that I am grateful for. I do not dissect it with analyzation but embrace it with feeling.”
Christine's website: www.chatnoirstudios.com
Interests: Cats; birds; wolves; animals; animal welfare; flowers; butterflies; environmental conservation; writing--especially poetry; creating art, such as abstract paintings, mixed media/collage pieces, and cards; cooking; peaceful living.
Published writer: Yes
Freelance: Yes |
