We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Engell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.

John, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Since retiring as a professor of American Literature, Film, and Creative Writing, I have written and published many short stories and have completed drafts of three novels. Now, Short Story America Press will publish a book of my stories in September of this year. I write almost every day and feel fortunate to be able to do so at age 75.
When my book of stories is published, I’ll be doing readings in San Francisco (where I’ve been a member of the Writers Grotto), Seattle, San Jose, and Los Angeles.

John, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Since retiring as a Professor of American Literature, Film, and Creative Writing, I have written nearly every day, completing several dozen short stories and drafts of three novels. I feel very fortunate.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I have written constantly since retiring from my job as a Professor at San Jose State University, and have returned to full time writing since suffering a heart attack one year ago.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goals are simple: first, to improve as a writer; second, to explore and capture the lives of a great variety of people.

Image Credits
Pictures of me and of my sons and their partners and my grandson.