February 2020 – Patrick O'Neil

What We Talk About When We Talk About Writing

Hipster Dude: “so, like you’re a writer?”Me: “ah, yeah.”HD: “so, like what’d you write?”Me: “a memoir.”HD: “so, like what’s it about?”Me: “heroin, dysfunctional junkie love, bank robberies.”HD: “so, it’s like a movie script?”Me: “ah, no…”HD: “so, like you didn’t make it up?”Me: “it’s a memoir.”HD: “so, it’s like real life?”Me: “ah, yeah.”HD: “so,...

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Patrick O’Neil is the author of the memoirs: ANARCHY AT THE CIRCLE K (Punk Hostage Press, 2022), GUN, NEEDLE, SPOON (Dzanc Books, 2015), and HOLD-UP (13e Note Editions, 2013). He is the co-author on two instructional writing manuals, WRITING YOUR WAY TO RECOVERY: HOW STORIES CAN SAVE OUR LIVES (Independent Press, 2021), with the author James Brown. And PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing Program's, THE SENTENCES THAT CREATE US: CRAFTING A WRITER'S LIFE IN PRISON (Haymarket Books, 2022). His writing has appeared in numerous publications including: Juxtapoz, Salon, The Fix, Decible, and Razorcake. O'Neil is a contributing editor for Sensitive Skin Magazine, a Pushcart nominee, a two time nominee for Best Of The Net, and a PEN Center USA Professional and former Emerging Voices Mentor. His newest work, LA COUNTY - a noir crime novel set in LA - is out making the rounds for publication. O'Neil holds an MFA from Antioch University Los Angeles where he is a facilitator for their Continuing Education program. He also teaches at a Los Angeles community college and various rehabs, correctional facilities, institutions, and workshops. (Author Photos: Brian Looby)

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