About Carina





Bio


Carina Gonzalez was bred, born, and raised in central NJ. Having been raised in a Star Trek home, her literary and extracurricular preferences always steered towards the speculative. With such greats as Jane Yolen, Mercedes Lackey, Anne McCaffrey, and Ursula K. LeGuin as her authors of choice during her teen years, both her heart and mind remained in worlds that were always a little off from the norm.


Carina grew into a dedicated student, and developed a mean pen in college. She knew she was strongest in writing-associated fields, and applied those strengths eagerly. By her sophomore year of college, she wanted to write a thesis on Science Fiction, even though it was not an undergraduate requirement. However, her topic of choice was unfortunately not an option for those wishing to write a thesis. Finding no one amongst the faculty who would mentor her in her quest, she sought out a retired professor who wrote her doctoral thesis on Science Fiction. After 2 years of reading, dedication, and mentorship, Carina walked away with the thesis she so arduously fought for the right to create; a gender analysis on the Science Fiction of Ursula K. LeGuin. That thesis is one of her proudest achievements to this day. She went on to graduate with a BA in English with a focus on Science Fiction, and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies.


On September 11, 2001 she accepted a position with Realms of Fantasy, the largest magazine in the world devoted to fantasy, as their slush editor. Finally in touch with hundreds of authors who shared her interests, she threw herself into the work, body and soul. By the end of her 2nd year at Realms of Fantasy she had created and maintained a website, just for authors submitting to ROF. Over the years it grew from simply being a list of manuscripts that arrived safely to include a database, links page, F.A.Q. page, a page dedicated to authors that got published through ROF, and information about herself. With over 51,000 hits it became an applauded service by authors, who regularly submit to professional magazines. Many considered it the preferred method of informing authors about their status.


As the years passed, Carina’s specialty slowly shifted from Science Fiction to Fantasy. Having had 4 years of Science Fiction, and now almost 4 years of Fantasy under her belt, she was yearning to begin the learning process all over again. She started exploring the definition of what makes a good story. What common cross-genre elements exist that keep a reader riveted? Simply knowing that the story was sub-par, wasn’t enough. Reading in a simple pass/fail capacity wasn’t fulfilling anymore. She needed to know why it didn’t work, and the authors wanted to know too! She started giving her opinion to authors as to why their stories were rejected. She began complying with requests to fill out checklists and questionnaires from authors who wanted to know how they could improve their work. Carina developed a talent for putting the abstract concept of a “what makes a good story,” to words. More and more authors were thanking her personally for her suggestions and a few found successes by implementing them. Her suggestions were respected, easy to understand, and easy to use. She found a new calling. As her thirst for understanding the structure of a good story increased, her response times suffered. She spent too much time on each story – not an acceptable course of action with over 400 manuscripts arriving per month.


As of April 13, 2005 she resigned her position at Realms of Fantasy and began serious consideration to starting her own critique service. You are witnessing the birth of that new dream, The Zen Pen. Through the coaching of friends, and mostly authors, she undertook the arduous journey known as “website creation.” Free of the shackles of free sites with long hideous URL’s and restricting site builders, she’s eager to test her cyber mettle and stretch her critiquing muscles. Carina’s main objective is to learn as much as she possibly can from this process. As you grow, she hopes to grow as well, and give what she can back to the genre which sparked her imagination and future.


In the hopes of continuing her growth in this field, she has decided to pursue a Masters in Library Information Science at Rutgers University.


Carina currently lives in Branchburg, NJ with her husband Mike, her Standard Poodle Zen, and her Portuguese Water Dog River.


Carina and Mike are expecting their first child in August of 2008.


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Interests


Music – I have had instruction in, and play, the piano, clarinet, saxophone and flute with my greatest expertise being with the clarinet. I also sing (dramatic coloratura) and have performed many concerts, musicals, and operas. I have given vocal and instrumental lessons as well.


Rock Climbing – I used to regularly rock climb indoors at a local rock climbing gym. I took forward to returning to the gym after the baby is born.


Bike Riding – I know a thing or two about bike construction, leading brands, and the difference between road, freestyle, and mountain bikes.


Yoga – I regularly practice yoga as well, preferring Vinyasa but also familiar with Hatha, Ashtanga, and “Power” as well. I am considering getting my teaching certification in yoga.


Standard Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs –I have a standard poodle named Zen and Portuguese Water Dog named River. They are both AKC registered, Zen achieved his CGC certification, and River is currently training for it. I am an avid reader in all things dog related including grooming, species appropriate prey-model diet, and positive training methods.


Video Games – I prefer platform and roleplaying games. Favorites from the past include the Tomb Raider Series, the Soul Reaver series, The SIMS, Baldur’s Gate, Dynasty Warriors, and Soul Calibur.


Tabletop Roleplaying – I have played Star Wars, Warhammer, and G.U.R.P.S. but play AD&D 3rd edition most frequently. I am currently in an Eberron campaign DM'd by my husband.


L.A.R.P. – I most recently played in a White Wolfe Vampire the Masquerade L.A.R.P. wherein I played a Toreador who was Prince of the city. That game has since disbanded and I am seeking another L.A.R.P.


Medieval Reenactment – I am a member of the Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to teaching the public about the medieval time period. I attend Pennsic, an SCA event, every year. I specialize in clothing of the time period.


Weight Watchers – I joined Weight Watchers in September of 2004 and reached lifetime Thursday July 15th 2005. Before joining Weight Watchers I lost approximately 18 lbs. I lost another 42 after joining and am finally maintaining a healthy weight.


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Authors I Frequent



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Worlds I Enjoy



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If there is any further information that you would like to see here, please don’t hesitate to contact me.


~~~   www.thezenpen.com   ~~~   Carina@TheZenPen.com   ~~~