“Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink. Drink and be filled up.”
- Stephen King
I'm Makena Metz
I am an LA native, a writer for the page, screen, and stage, and I believe that writing is magic.
I'm have an MFA in Creative Writing and MA in English from Chapman University's dual degree program and am a proud member of DGA, ASCAP, SCBWI, WIA, CMA, and the SCL.
MY BIO
Makena Metz is a writer specializing in fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism. She writes novels, poetry, plays, musicals, and scripts and songs for TV and film.
Want to hire me or collaborate on a project?
Send an email to makena.metz@gmail.com
My Portfolio
Take a look at published, written work, my works in progress, and upcoming ideas!
About Me.
I believe that writing is magic. I’m neurodivergent, and disabled - chronically, dynamically, and invisibly ill. I’m also a cancer survivor, invisibly bionic, an LA native, an Aquarious, and an INFJ extroverted introvert!
In my body of work, I love writing about misfits, weirdos, and nerds. My writing tends to lean towards science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism because I love how you can use speculative fiction tackle the issues of today.
As an artist, I use my voice to tell stories about the issues of today through a theatrical or fantastical lens. In our ever transforming world, we must write the stories of today, to create audiences who foster empathy and are called to action – not only thinkers, but doers.
EDUCATION
2021-2023
MFA in Creative Writing
MA in English
Chapman University
I attended Chapman University's Dual Degree Program - MFA Creative Writing & MA English. I maintained a 4.0 GPA while working as a Graduate Student Instructor, an assistant to the MFA program, and a Writing Center Tutor. I wrote and defended two thesis projects, and I won the 2023 James L. Doti Outstanding Graduate Student Award. I learned from notable teachers such as James Blaylock, Anna Leahy, and Mildred Lewis.
2013-2017
BFA in Theatre Direction
Minor in Playwriting
Columbia College Chicago
I attended Columbia College Chicago's BFA in Theatre Direction Program and Minored in Playwriting. I maintained a 3.5 GPA while directing a show a year and assisting in other forms (stage management, dramaturgy, etc.) on other productions. I rehearsed and saw my thesis project performed. I learned from working industry professionals in the Chicago theatre scene, such as Mickle Maher, Tom Mula, and Andi Dymond.
Additional Classes through: The Dramatists Guild Institute, New Musicals Inc., The Musical Writers Institute, ESPA Primary Stages, Chicago Dramatists, and The Second City