John holds a BA in English from Fresno Pacific University and an MFA in Fiction from Pacific University Oregon. In addition, he studied writing at Kenyon College, the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and was a Summer Fishtrap Fellow in 2012. He taught English, Humanities, and International Baccalaureate classes at Kerman and Fresno High Schools, and is a licensed teacher in the states of California and Oregon.
Since leaving public education for higher ed, he’s taught Composition, Literature, Literary Magazine Production, First Year Seminars, Interactive Fiction, and Fiction at Pacific University and the University of Portland, where he was honored with The 2025 Dean’s Award for Outstanding Teaching by an Adjunct Faculty Member.
He’s available to talk, teach, and coach on the subjects of writing, reading like a writer, and sustaining creative practices long term.
For inquiries about John’s writing, or to book him for a speaking engagement, please use the form to the right.
“John is skilled at engaging with a variety of experience levels, meeting his students where we are and taking a genuine interest in our work. His classroom is a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages growth and discovery.”
“John sees his students as writers, and he goes to great lengths to support them in their work.”
“The lessons and practices I learned in fiction writing workshop are ones I have carried with me and continue to try and use in my writing.”