Richard B. Dwyer Profile

I am a former Marine and retired Army Guard Officer who currently works in state government. In spite of all of the challenges and successes of my military career, I have always been insecure about my ability to craft a well-written story. Since completing my MFA in Creative Writing  (National University 2009), I have a new found confidence that has taken my first novel from about 27,000 words to a completed, almost final draft of about 134,000 words. Additionally, I tied for second in Poethood.com’s Change of Scenery contest with my poem, One Life, Traveled - a Sestina. Both One Life, Traveled and a second poem, Seasons, was published in Poethood.com’s Change of Scenery anthology (available at lulu.com. Shameless plug). I am still a part time writer with a full time job in training development, but now I actually feel like a writer. I am not a genius, not exceptionally talented. Just persistent and determined and willing to learn. After all, a small measure of talent multiplied by determination and a willingness to learn and grow is far more powerful than static brilliance. I have two philosophies that have guided my mind and my soul through the difficult and lengthy process of becoming a writer – “I would rather fail attempting greatness, than to succeed at mediocrity” and “If you really want things to change, you actually have to DO something.” So keep dreaming and keep writing.