Writer Biography

Christine Bruness is a writer and artist who has been a creative free spirit her whole life. She has had hundreds of poems, articles, short stories, editorials, letters, essays, and pieces published in both print and online 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, Opium Poetry Blogzine, Ancient Heart Magazine, A Hudson View, Charlotte's Web, Wonder Haiku Worlds, Associated Content, 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, Meow Poetry, Subtle Tea, Scifaikuest, Zygote in My Coffee, and more.

In May 2008, Christine won The 2008 Covert Press Chapbook Contest. Her chapbook, Alley Cat, was published by CP in June 2008. She received a Pushcart Prize nomination for this chapbook. In 2010, Christine also received a Pushcart Prize nomination for her short story, "Tattooed Daisy", which was published in Recovering of Self (Volume II, Number 1).

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, Scifaikuest, and Associated Content. Christine's artwork has also been published on book covers. 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.

Education: BA in English with a writing concentration from William Paterson University; also completed the post baccalaureate teaching certification program at WPU with honors. In truth, cats taught her everything that she really needed to know about life.

Writing Awards and Literary Honors: Christine has been the recipient of forty writing/literary awards, including the Rose/Rosemary Zienteck 2000 Literary Award for her first published 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 was a Pushcart Prize Nominee for this chapbook. In January 2009, Christine was awarded a "Top 1000" badge for her work published on Associated Content's website. (Badges are awarded at the beginning of each year, to the content producers whose published work from the previous calendar year received the largest volume of page views.) In November 2010, Christine also received a Pushcart Prize nomination for her short story, "Tattooed Daisy", which was published in Recovering of Self (Volume II, Number 1).

The author has given readings and book signings at both major chains and independently owned bookstores and has taught writing and poetry workshops.

Christine lives in New Jersey with her beloved husband, Richard, and their cherished cats: Daisy, Shadow, Mama, Boss, Patches, and Alfonsa. The couple created a small wildlife sanctuary on their property that is certified by the National Wildlife Federation to promote local wildlife in their area. Strays and visiting cats often stop by and are always welcomed and fed.

Christine's Motto: "Nurture and share your unique magic, cherish your loved ones, respect Mother Earth, embrace peace and feedom, and be kind to all beings and living things."