Hi, I’m Carmela
I’m a freelance reporter, writer, and storyteller.
I have an MFA in Writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. I also have degrees in teaching, English, psychology, and dance.
I’m currently based in Asheville, North Carolina, but I grew up in Boston, lived on a military base in Georgia for two years, and have traveled widely. Have a job offer? I’m willing to relocate!
As a reporter I’ve covered stories locally and internationally for Voice of America, Mountain Xpress, and the Times-News.
I have experience writing about press freedom, human rights, homelessness, incarceration, the environment, and trauma. I’m also interested in women’s issues, sexual violence, military, war, addiction and recovery.
My essays, poems, and short stories have been published in The Sun, Cimarron Review, The Watermark, Elephant Journal, Universal Table, and #MeToo (Riverdale Avenue Books 2017).
I’m seeking representation for my first memoir, currently just over 81,000 words. Here’s my elevator pitch: Born with an incurable kidney disease, I believed from a young age that I was going to die young. After my 34th birthday (thinking it would be my last), I drove alone across the country on a spiritual journey that was sometimes reckless, often beautiful, and ultimately life changing. A harrowing experience mid-way through the trip forced me to confront and heal from past trauma.
I’m passionate about storytelling. I’ve performed on stage and on screen with Asheville Community Theatre’s monthly storytelling series Listen to This and in several Moth storySLAMs.
I’ve performed improv at Asheville’s 35Below and worked as writers’ and director’s assistant for Sketches! Or it Didn’t Happen, a Magnetic Theatre sketch comedy production hailed as “a zany mashup between SNL and Portlandia.”
In past iterations of this life I have been a military wife, high school English teacher, yoga instructor for both children and adults, Reiki Master practitioner, ultra-marathon runner, interfaith divinity school student, Muay Thai fighter, hospice volunteer, and travel blogger.
I’m open to job offers, assignments for magazines and newspapers, and available for storytelling performances.
Visit the contact page and stay in touch. I’d love to connect with you.
