I write primarily fiction, and within fiction primarily novels, though those are yet unpublished (I’m seeking representation for literary fiction, in case any eager agents are reading this). Most of my available writing focuses on English usage—a topic I enjoy studying and contemplating. I hope that my growing usage dictionary, which covers prescriptive-leaning advice, aids your understanding of our beautiful and complex language.
My photography has been featured on the cover of Scales Made Simple, a small violin practice book; in Monroe Community College’s Scholars’ Day Review; and in the Case Reserve Review. My photographic eye is still developing—thus my style and voice, to borrow from literary language, may not feel as consistent as it should. I used to shoot only digital, switched to only film, and now do a mix of both.
I designed and coded this website myself, which still feels rewarding to say. I edited MathMouth, a site dedicated to unconventional math problems and their solutions, and I copyedit on occasion. If you wish to contact me with suggestions or corrections, please contact me at jesse@englishusage.com.
“The Fine Art of Collegiate Table Tennis”: The Piker Press, cover story (2024)
“The Best Waffle the World Has Ever Known”: Chapter House Journal (2024)
“A Stranger in Tangier”: Sojournal (2023)
“The Classroom”: Bartleby Snopes, nominated for a Pushcart Prize (2016)
Charles E. Clemens Award (2016)
Edith Garber Krotinger Prize (2015, 2016)
Eleanor Leuser Award (2015)