As a writer with a performance and an academic background, my experience spans a variety of genres and intersections. Here's a timeline of what I've (mostly) been up to for the past decade as a writer. My portfolio is included via links to various works.
Quick Links
2026
One-woman show
I wrote and performed a 22-minute one-woman show inspired by the Spoon River anthology poem "George Gray".
Audience members said, "I was crying the entire time. So many good lines." - Melanie Robinson. "Really beautiful performance and so wonderfully written as well" - Drew Brandon Jones "I absolutely love loved everything about your performance, your strength, how your mind works omg!!" - Melanie D.
By Proxy
I wrote copy for clients in the legal business, producing high-quality, research-backed articles that conform to SEO standards. ​
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2025
WordFest
I performed at the first annual literary festival at Saddleback College.
My poems "You Can Be Anything" and "For the Professor who Keeps Being There" were both tributes to the school and its staff.
2024
Father Figures
I wrote, produced, and released a 25-page chapbook called Father Figures (pdf here).​
Award-winning poet Amy Gerstler said of the book, "Your ability to write about loss in ways that are clearheaded, without self pity, deep, and empathetic to all (sometimes even witty) shows on every page."
Mama Lion
I wrote pitch decks and scripts for documentary, tv series, and feature film projects. All works are protected under NDA guidelines. ​​
Hello America
I professionally recorded my poem "Gap Year" over original music. Hello America Stereo Cassette published the track as part of their Summer Collection, 2024.​ Available here.
2023
Serene Writing
I registered Serene Writing as an LLC to support clients with their personal and professional writing.
SOS Fest
I performed my poems "Gap Year" and "Via de la Valle" over original music at Long Beach's largest indie artist festival.​​​
"I Could"
I wrote, produced, and performed in a poetry film for my poem "I Could", released on social media.​​
Tell It Slant
I collaborated with my graduate school colleagues to create an off-campus open mic for San Diego writers in North County.
I wrote social media posts, advertising materials, interview questions, and was the point of contact for our venue owner and several featured artists.
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Every Seed is a Longing
I completed and successfully defended my graduate thesis, a poetry collection entitled "Every Seed is a Longing," under the advisement of poet Sandra Doller. Online here.
I thusly received my M.A. from CSUSM in Literature and Writing Studies.
Graduate Assistant
I supported professors and writers Sandra Doller and Francesco Levato in their academic and creative pursuits. Namely, I helped Sandra with her journal, 1913, and Francesco with the tour of his publication, Scarlet.
Teaching Associate
I taught General Education Writing 1B to college freshman at CSUSM. I wrote the syllabus, all lectures and assignments. I structured the class in keeping with my teaching philosophy (available here).
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2022
Confessions of a Full-Time Woman
I was interviewed on the writer podcast produced by academic Mikayla Keehn to discuss my experiences.
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Graduate Representative
I served as a voice for my graduate class and coordinated the graduate conference, writing a theme, reading and organizing project submissions, securing a keynote speaker, and facilitating panels.
Kindabummed Magazine
I published my poem "I don't always love you ( a love poem)" in the online literary magazine, Kindabummed.
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North County Women in Networking
I wrote about my career goals and my experiences of adversity, earning me the North County Women in Networking scholarship to aid in my professional pursuits.
Community Literature Initiative
I completed the poetry program CLI, writing a full-length book, The Beauty of the Beast. ​
Reviewers said, "With an effortlessness that belies her artistry, Karyn Renee pulls you into a world of trauma, pain, and healing, daring you to look away. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, this collection illustrates the human capacity to love and the desire for connection that we all crave. It is a stunning example of writing from the soul. Renee's poems will linger with you long after you've put them down." -Suki Fisher, English Professor "Karyn is a true poet, ever walking the fine line between eloquence and honesty. She can take her pen and turn broken glass into a chandelier-- pain into beauty. The Beauty of the Beast is a remarkable collection of poems, and every time she reads from this book, I sit on the edge of my seat, waiting to hear what trauma she has converted to glamor, what nightfall she has turned into light." - Hiram Sims, CLI founder
Freelance English Tutor
I freelance tutored middle school English, assisting with homework and essays.
2021
2020
2019
University of California, Irvine
I graduated cum laude from UCI with my B.A. in English, taking classes in journalism, fiction, and advanced poetry with renowned writer Amy Gerstler.​
KUCI 88.9 FM
I conducted interviews for the KUCI radio station, finding subjects and writing questions to lead our conversation.
2018
Capacity Magazine
I participated in UC Irvine's Capacity Magazine, writing and creating poster advertisements for submissions.
Learning Resource Center
I tutored students at all levels, assisting them with whatever writing they brought into the LRC at Saddleback College.
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I most often helped with college application essays and class papers.
2017
Embedded English Tutor
I was an assistant for English 1A alongside Professor Fisher and 1B alongside Professor Shaffer at Saddleback College.
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In addition to tutoring students in the class, I also wrote and presented a slideshow about researching.
Outstanding English Student Awardee
My writing and support of other's work garnered me the Outstanding Student of the Year award in English Composition.
Professor Fisher's nomination read, "She eagerly contributed to class discussions, went to my office for further advice on the revision of her essays, and consistently illustrated her ability to think critically regardless of the subject matter. She has also been willing to help students both in and out of class, having an important impact on them while also embracing their impact on her."
2016
Wall Literary Journal
I served as the Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning WALL Literary Journal Volume 16 (online here).
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2015
A Phantom's Touch
I wrote a personal essay that became my first publication, "A Phantom's Touch" in Wall Literary Journal Volume 15.
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