JOE M. O'CONNELL

Joe O'Connell's life has focused on finding the facts in fiction and the fiction in facts.

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His early career as a newspaper reporter/editor was transformed when he earned an MFA in creative writing. His award-winning novel-in-stories Evacuation Plan grew out of an immersive experience in a residential hospice. His stories have been published in literary journals including Confrontation, G.W. Review, Lullwater Review, Fugue, Lynx Eye and Chiron Review.

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His 12 combined years as a film industry columnist for the Dallas Morning News, Austin Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman led him to produce/write/direct the documentary films Danger God and Rondo and Bob, both examinations of B-movie icons.

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His desire to tell stories visually led him to become an award-winning photographer. His goal is to transcend the literal image in search of emotional truth. His photos have appeared on book and CD covers, in newspapers and magazines, and in Texas art galleries.

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O'Connell is an associate professor of English and Creative Writing at Austin Community College. He lives outside Austin, Texas, with his wife and son.

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