Susan Irving Monshaw
Writer. Traveler. Journalist.



About Me
Susan’s journey began with the pencil scribbles of a 6-year old on the fly leaf of a well-loved copy of “Let Papa Sleep.” She wanted to document the UFO that she was certain she spied out a bedroom window. More than five decades later, she still scribbling notes and impressions on receipts, cocktail napkins, envelopes and, sometimes, in notebooks.
Today, Susan’s writing appears in a column in the Daily Reflector (Greenville, NC). She ghost-wrote the memoir of Rob Gronkowski’s (NFL New England Patriots) mother, Diane, who raised five boys, all became professional athletes. Susan has edited a technical magazine and written dozens of travel articles for British and expat magazines while living in France, Japan and England. At present, she’s working on a novel.
Selected Publications
San Sebastián, Spring 2021
Delving into the culinary delights and traditions of Spain’s Basque region.
Cornwall, Summer 2020
An exploration of the English coastal region’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
St. Tropez, Winter 2020
A journey through the legendary culture and allure of France’s Cote D’Azur.


“Vague Horizon,” selected for inclusion in the University of Illinois anthology, Collecting Covid-19 Stories, 2021
Narrative poem reflecting on the uncertainties of the pandemic era.

Professional Experience
Present: Columnist for Daily Reflector (Greenville, NC)
Covering local Southern habits and traditions.
Columnist, "Hither and Yon" – Citizen News (New Fairfield, CT)
Crafted weekly humor columns for over a decade, offering readers a lighthearted take on life's intricacies.
Associate Editor – Chemical Engineering Magazine
Oversaw content development, ensuring clarity and engagement for a specialized audience.
Public Relations Consultant
Developed communication strategies, highlighting compelling narratives for various organizations.
Awards and Recognition
Writer in Residence
Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities, Southern Pines, NC, 2026
Moniak Mohr Attendee
National Creative Writing Center of Scotland, July, 2023
First Place, Suspense Contest
Off-Campus Writers' Workshop, 2021
Second Place, Flash Fiction Contest
Off-Campus Writers' Workshop, 2020
NYC Flash Fiction Challenge Participant
2018-2026

Education and Affiliations

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Coursework in Novel and Creative Writing – New York University
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Screenwriting Masterclass – 92Y, New York City
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BA Journalism and English, Douglass College, Rutgers University, 1986.
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North Carolina Writers’ Network, member since 2024
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Society of Authors (UK), member since 2022
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Authors Guild, member since 2022
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Chicago Writers’ Association, member since 2020
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Off-Campus Writers Workshop, member since 2019
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London Writers Group, member since 2018


