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 on their property, certified by The National Wildlife Federation, to promote wildlife in the area. Strays and visiting cats often stop by 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, Opium Poetry Blogzine, 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, Propeace.net, Pondering Moments, World Peace Society, 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 2008 Covert Press Poetry Chapbook Contest for her book: Alley Cat. She is a current Pushcart Prize Nominee for this chapbook.

Fragile, a chapbook of poetry written by Christine Bruness, was accepted for publication by Covert Press and will be released soon.

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, Subtle Tea, Covert Poetics Journal, and Associated Content. 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 am free"; "Peace is attainable and it begins within"; and: "Cherish your loved ones, respect the Earth, and be 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."

Christine's website: www.chatnoirstudios.com

Covert Press: www.covertpress.com

My passion is ...

I feel extraordinarily connected to cats - and of course, my husband, Richie!

I know too much about ...

No one can ever "know too much". We must be open to understanding new things.

My parents always told me ...

To earn an education. They also taught me to honor my word and to be kind.

My childhood ambition ...

I wanted to be a successful writer who used her income to help animals, family members, and those who needed help.

My favorite memory ...

My first favorite memory that I have is when my father came home with a cocker spaniel puppy for me tucked in his coat. (We named him Happy.)

Why I write ...

I write because I am strongly compelled to create 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.

My first job ...

I worked in a vintage clothing and record store.

My inspiration ...

Cats are my greatest inspiration.

Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Haiku

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Two Haiku for Stray Cats...

Two black alley cats
face to face on the front porch
fighting for new turf.

Black & white stray cat
lounging across the porch step
soaking up the sun.

More..

• Creative Writing Bronze