Michelle Reynoso has had creative outlets of diverse formats throughout her life. Writing has occupied the forefront as illustrated by her early titles, The Magic Key, The Television Horror, How Rein Became Rain, & The Mini Farm, and The Invasion, which were written early in her career throughout grammar and middle school. She earned the "Future Author" award from her teachers in 1984. But, by High School, writing had taken a backseat to another creative avenue; theater. From the Raymond High School Drama Club to the local acting troupe, Giving life to the written word now moved her spirit. Her drama coach helped her prepare for the audition that changed her life, the one that won her entry into the prestigious New York University theater program. Through NYU's program Michelle studied at the The Lee Strasberg Institute, and four years later earned her BFA. Now, coming full-circle, Michelle's creative outlet has again returned to her first love of writing. She has coupled that with a new passion for photography. Her debut book published by XLibris (a strategic partner of Random House Ventures) entitled Do You? was recognized by Writers Digest for The International Self-Published Book Awards with an Honorable Mention. She has also been recognized by The International Library of Poetry for The Editor's Choice Award, and Famous Poets Institute for Advanced Poetical Studies. Her photography has also received recognition in several publications and placed first in the Nature (Fauna) category for The 2006 Photography in Sussex County competition. Michelle is currently working on a childrens' book "Petunia Wiggles, Giggles, & Hops, a sci-fi Young Adult adventure novel The Hidden Force, and a Self-Help management book Manage Me, Please.
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Book-Published
Do You?
A collection of original poems and photographs (76 pages, 36 full-color photographs).
Books-In Progress
Petunia Wiggles, Giggles & Hops
Milestones & Awards
Nov. 2009, winner - NANOWRIMO, The Office of Letters and Light
Sept. 2009, featured - Hackensack Author Earns N.Y. Book Festival Nod, The County Seat
July 2009, featured - Michelle Reynoso (TSOA '93) Finalist in the 2009...,NYU/TSOA Class Notes
July 2009, featured - Hackensack Author Wins Book Festival Prize, Hackensack Chronicle
June 2009, Do You? - Honorable Mention, New York Book Festival
September 2007, "Sunset" - published (photo), The Chronicle
August 2006, "Alligator" - First Place Photo Nature (Fauna), Photography in Sussex County
August 2005, "Tree-Lined Street" - published (photo), Lake Hopatcong Neighbors
Spring 2004, featured - Associate Accomplishments, book publication (Do You?), Inside Berkeley
May 2004, Do You? - Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest International Book Awards
August 2003, Do You? - Published (book), XLibris Corporation
Fall 1989, "Autumn" - Published (poem), Raymond Voice
May 1989, featured - Writing Workshop to Iber Holmes Gove Middle School, Raymond Times
Author FAQs
What is your writing process?
This is something that evolves with each piece of writing for me, but the most effective format so far is to write a first draft as quickly as possible. This helps me create a consistant story framework without the distractions of editing. The 2009 NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month Contest) was really instrumental in helping me find the value in such a method. I took 30 days and just pounded the keyboard until I reached 50,000 words and a full novel. I was amazed at how much the structure really helped in forming a consistent piece of work that I could then mold through the revision process. After the first draft is done, then I do a read through and revise along the way. At this point, I'm looking for natural dialogue, ensuring the environment of the story has sufficient details, and pace. The next revision is then devoted to character building, ensuring the characters are consistent, interesting, and multi-leveled. There may be other revisions at this point to tackle other areas that are pinpointed, then there's a final revision. I do most of my writing on a laptop, but part of the revision process is also done on hard copies as well.
Where do you write?
My desk is the best place for me to write, although I have been known to write in Starbucks, the front seat of my car, outside in local parks, and even while getting my hair done. But again, my desk is usually the most productive. I like writing in the early morning when I'm fresh and the apartment is quiet. I usually have a hot cup of tea and a cold cup of ice next to me. And my cat often sits near (or on top) of my mouse as I write.
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