After relocating to the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 1998, Mr. Espinosa began to study improv with Randy Bennett, whose other pupils include such well-known celebrities as Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz, and Elvira – Mistress of the Dark.  Around this same time, he also began writing scripts and plays based on his family life.  Several of his works have been produced and performed in the Metroplex.

In 2000, Christopher began working as a professional storyteller at elementary schools throughout the United States.  It was at this time that he discovered his true passion – performing for children.  Although he enjoyed traveling to other states, Mr. Espinosa felt there was a need for a book that would inspire children in his home state to learn more about Texas.  He set out to create a book that would do just that.

With the publication of Rocket Megabyte’s Texas Adventure, Christopher was able to combine his love of writing, drawing, and performing into a successful and rewarding career while simultaneously educating and entertaining the children of Texas.

Rocket Megabyte's Texas Adventure has opened the door to many exciting opportunities for Chris and Sky Rocket Press. His talents as an illustrator and self-published author got the attention of Sharon Ellsberry.  Sharon was interested in becoming self-published as well and hired Chris to illustrate her book, The Spaniel Family Goes to the State Fair. Chris is now preparing to begin the illustrations for a series of books by another author, Chanda Tucker Fletcher. Both Sharon and Chanda will be self-published authors through the assistance of Sky Rocket Press.

In addition to the illustration and publishing jobs, Rocket's Adventure also made a bleep on NASA's radar. In March 2005, Chris visited the Johnson Space Center to discuss the possibility of creating educational programming for K-2 children in Texas and perhaps the US. Development of these programs should begin during the coming summer months.

Chris continues to perform at elementary schools across the state and will be a featured author at the San Benito Literary Conference in May.

MARCH MEETING RECAP

The guest speaker had to cancel his visit.  Instead, we had Reyna Gobel talk to us about the Writers Conference of the Southwest sponsored by The Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism.  The will be held from July 22 through July 24 at the DFW Hilton in Grapevine.  The conference focuses on literary non-fiction.  Literary non-fiction is describe as non-fiction with a kick.  It is the story of a real person but written in more of a fiction style to make it more interesting to read.  Some of the speakers at the conference include:

Norman Pearlstine-editor-in-chief of Time, Inc.
Susan Orlean- author of MY KIND OF PLACE
Paul Hendrickson- author of SONS OF MISSISSIPPI
Bill Marvel-senior feature writer for The Dallas Morning News
Cathy Booth Thomas-Dallas bureau chief for Time Magazine
Barry Newman-The Wall Street Journal

General admission for the 3 days is $250 including meals.  The deadline for an early registration discount was May 20, which had already passed at the publication of this newsletter.  There is a discount for UNT Faculty, Staff and Students (see the website for more detail).

http://mayborninstitute.unt.edu

Submissions for Article/Essay Workshop is an additonal $20 and must be postmarked by June 1.  The 50 strongest essay will be selected to participate in the workshop.
Submissions for the Manuscript Workshop is an additional $50 and must be postmarked by June 1.  The 20 strongest entries will be selected to participate in the workshop. 
George Getschow, Conference Writer-In-Residence and instructor of a Feature Writing class at UNT has kindly offered to listen to any non-fiction story or articles ideas we may have for submission in the conference workshops.  He can be reached at 972/746-1633.

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