Mark Kessinger was born in Huntington WV, attended college at Cleveland State University, lived in Oklahoma City, and has resided in Houston TX since 1984. He is a two-year recipient of a creative writing full scholarship from CSU, a founding member and past president of the Houston Council of Writers, and former editor of Voices from Big Thicket. His poetry has appeared in many publications and four anthologies. He had read his works at several festivals by invitation. He is the author of two collections of poetry.
Mark Kessinger is a civic minded, broadly experienced poet and instructor with a proven talent in the literary landscape. He has deep ties to Houston and the communication skills capable of meeting the rich cultural diversity of a large metropolis such as Houston.
His skills and experience in readings, workshops, teaching, and publishing can be matched with a background in public speaking, counseling, outreach and mediation to reach out and help at risk youth gain self-worth, confidence and better outcomes thru writing skills.
Published poet with university training in communication.
Experienced instructor in creative writing at adult education levels.
Diverse employment experience in community outreach, counseling.
Extensive mediation and advocacy experience.
Public speaking skills on multiple topics to wide range of audiences.
Studied under twice Pulitzer nominated poet Bruce Weigl.
Studied under Poets Alberta Turner and Leonard Trawick.
Attended Cleveland State University on full creative writing scholarship.
Won open local competition for volume of poetry entitled: Exploded View.
Won international open competition for volume of poetry entitled: The Book of Joe.
Taught adult writing classes at Lonestar Kingwood.
Edited Voices from big Thicket at Lonestar Kingwood.
Served as founding member and past president of Houston Council of Writers.
Guest presenter at Fort Concho Writer’s Conference.
Guest presenter at mediation training for Houston Police Department.
Organized writing workshop with local poets Gary Rosin and Dr. John Gorman.
Selected as juried poet by Houston Poetry Fest.
Published poet in open selection through many literary magazines.
Selected for one National and three regional anthologies.
Oh, and lately, he has spent a lot of time riding trains.
