Writing about myself is difficult. Still. I thought I might introduce myself — Marielena Zuniga — and let you know who the creative energy is behind this blog.
I’ve been writing for more than 40 years. I’ve worked as a staff writer for newspapers, magazines and non-profits and earned some impressive journalism awards.
I’m most proud of the Jane Cunningham Croly Award for Excellence in Journalism Covering Issues of Concern to Women. I was in accomplished company with past winners including Glamour Magazine, The Dallas Morning News and The Wall Street Journal.
I’m also proud to have garnered some creative writing awards. For three years (2010-2012) my essays placed in the top 100 — and later the top 10 — of the inspirational category of the annual Writer’s Digest Magazine writing contest. In 2021, I placed again in the top 10 in the personal essay category of Writer’s Digest Magazine’s annual writing contest.
Most recently, I tied for second place in the John A. Hartford Foundation family care giving writing contest. All of the above contests drew thousands of entries.
Credentials aside: I have the heart of a mystic and the soul of a poet. I believe in the ordinary and the extraordinary. The ecstatic and the mundane. Both/and — not either/or. That we are in this life’s journey together, as one.
I hope I capture some of that in my writing. May you find inspiration here. Perhaps an “aha’ moment. Or perhaps, just a moment to breathe.
I’m humbled and thankful you’ve stopped by.
(If you want to be in touch, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me on Facebook and on Twitter @marielenazuniga.)