AFFINITY CHRISTINE KONAR
5982 West Lindenhurst Avenue | 323-632-9103 | affinity.konarski@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Columbia University, New York, NY
M.F.A. in Writing
Thesis: “The Illustrated Version of Things”
2008
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
B.A. Honors in English, GPA: 3.8
Areas of Concentration: Creative Writing, Jewish Literature
2001
AWARDS
Honorable Mention, The Atlantic Monthly Student Writing Contest
David Berg Fellowship for Writing on Jewish Themes
Best New American Voices Nominee
Columbia University Writing Fellowship
Leo Litwak Short Fiction Award
PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS
“Monsters I’ve Known, Part One”
2010
Short fiction published in online literary journal Everyday Genius
“Canines”
2010
Novel excerpt published in the literary journal Zen Monster
“The Illustrated Version of Things”
2009
Novel published through Fiction Collective Two
2007
2004 – 2005
2004
2003 – 2005
1999
“Afterbirth”
1999
Short story published in Transfer Magazine
EXPERIENCE
Swun Math
Editor
Proofread and edit math curriculum for Swun Math,
an educational company devoted to mathematical skill
development for K-8 students. Proofread for error, and
edit for clarity, continuity, and level accuracy.
2014-Present
Creative Content, telecommute
Writer, Researcher
Create samples for use in ESL workbooks that focus on
professional development and terminology specific to
different technical trades. Research material
relevant to each workbook, and coordinate with an
editor to determine the scope of the knowledge approached.
2012-2014
JEI Self-Learning Systems, Los Angeles, CA
Writer, Editor
Co-created language arts enrichment workbooks for use within
JEI’s extracurricular educational program. Researched material
appropriate for K-8 grade levels and designed learning exercises.
Composed original fiction and poetry samples. Selected images
and established the design and aesthetic of workbook pages.
Coordinated with freelance writers to revise outdated workbooks.
Hollywood Arts, Los Angeles, CA
Writing Coach
Served as a writing mentor at a foundation that assists ex-foster children
transitioning out of the state system and into a collegiate or workplace
environment. Evaluated student strengths, and addressed concerns accordingly.
Provided homework support for elementary and high school students.
La Brea Tutors, Los Angeles, CA
Teaching Specialist
2010-2012
2009-2010
2009-2010
Worked with high school students in preparation for the SAT exam. Provided
specialized coaching for the essay portion of the exam, and vocabulary building.
Homework support for all elementary level subjects.
Barnard College, New York, NY
Writing Instructor
Taught a fiction workshop to students at the high school level. Students were
responsible for submitting samples of their work, and gave presentations
on inspirations and influences. Students learned how to evaluate their work
and the work of their peers within the workshop format. Poetry and dramatic
writing were approached in discussions concerning artistic movements, and
integrated into in-class exercises. Students were required to submit a revised
version of their best work at the conclusion of the course.
Columbia University, New York, NY
Writing Workshop Instructor
Taught writing workshops to undergraduate and high school
students pursuing study in English Literature. Students were
introduced to the technique behind proper critique, and composed
pieces for fiction and poetry sections. Selections from the works of
established artists were examined with an interdisciplinary
perspective.
3 Quarks Daily
Writer
Wrote columns for a website devoted to cultural and scientific
issues. The website is located at www.3quarksdaily.com.
Pokèmon USA, New York, NY
Script Writer
Wrote scripts for Pokèmon Learning League, a web-based educational
program for children at the elementary school level. Scripts were designed
to address Language Arts and Life Skills lessons. Assessments that
coordinated with the online lessons were also created for the use of
instructors.
CyberEdit, telecommute
Essay Edge Editor
Edited college admissions essays. The language of the essays were revised
for clarity. Essays were also proofed and critiqued for the benefit of the
original author.
2009-2009
2009-2009
2008-2009
2007-2009
2006-2007
Office Pirates, New York, NY
Writer
Wrote articles and captions for a Time Inc. humor blog marketed towards a
corporate audience. Sourced images and researched current events.
The Paris Review, New York, NY
Assistant
Read unsolicited fiction slush and wrote critiques/responses. Assisted with
correspondence and standard office tasks.
Columbia: A Journal of Literature and Art, New York, NY
Fiction Board
Read unsolicited fiction slush and wrote critiques/responses.
Columbia University, Engineering Library, New York, NY
Library Assistant
Developed skills in reference, periodical and clerical duties. Assisted patrons
with research questions. Created displays and oversaw daily patron
services.
SFSU Graduate Division, San Francisco, CA
Admissions Processor
Assisted applicants to graduate programs at San Francisco State
University. Facilitated communications between department
professors and prospective students. Performed thesis evaluations.
SFSU Library, San Francisco CA
Library Assistant
Assisted library patrons, organized materials, and performed
clerical tasks.
LANGUAGES
English-native language
French-speak with a high level of proficiency, read/write fluently
2006
2005
2004-2005
2004-2006
2000-2003
1998-2000