Michael
Beckett
creator - storyteller - explorer
The Short Story
I’ve always been a storyteller. In second grade I asked Santa for a typewriter. Luckily the jolly old guy came through. I miss the clack-clack-ding of typewriters, and after decades of writing in a multitude of fields and genres, I still bang away at the keyboard with two fingers.
No matter the style or medium, I create stories that reflect and celebrate our common humanity. And perhaps add a little something to the human experience. Moments of wonder exist all around us; I try to keep my eyes open to them. I do stop to smell flowers along a roadside; there might be a story in it -- or at least a small moment of joy. For me, work and life are guided by my mantra...
explore discover share enlighten empower inspire
Portfolio Samples
Long-Distance Dad
My professional writing background spans a range of industries, styles and platforms. Click thumbnails to access PDF files.
Wall Calendars
Package and introductory copy for wall
calendars produced by Graphique de France
Sales Brochure
Product brochure introducing premium Italian wood flooring to US market
Anniversary Report
Articles summarizing issues and activities for US Department of Transportation R&D center
Web Site
Company overview and project descriptions for high-end interior design firm portfolio site
Sell Sheets
Practice area overviews and project highlights for leading social policy research firm
Public Information Newsletters
Content and development of newsletter series covering major infrastructure project
The greatest story I will ever share is one I also have the absolute joy of living. When I decided on a whim to mentor a teenager in a South African settlement, I thought it might change his life a bit. I never imagined how much it would change mine. Despite being from very different worlds, Mtuseni and I have developed a deep father-son bond. We are a global family for the 21st century.
A Long-Distance Dad book project is now being developed. Like a traditional family, our engaging story is rich with humor, emotion, and conflict. Photos, text messages, and screen captures help readers experience the wonder, challenges, and rewards of parenting a teenager who is 8000 miles away. Together we learn invaluable lessons about life and love. Agent and publisher inquiries are welcome. Click the thumbnail to download a pitch sheet.
Creative Writing
A sample of other stories in various formats.
Credits+Awards
Films & Publications
“The Long Road to Fatherhood” – The New York Times, 2020 (author)
Inspiration – 15-minute 35mm film, 2009 (screenwriter, producer)
“Inspiration” – Literal Latte, New York: 1998 (author)
“Mrs. Turley's Roses” – Evergreen Chronicles, Minneapolis: 1994 (author)
Awards
In the Snake Online Anthology, Fiction Competition -- Grand Prize 2011
Massachusetts Cultural Council New Theater Fellowships -- Finalist 2003
Chesterfield Writer’s Film Project, Screenwriting Fellowships -- Semifinalist 2003, 2001
Austin Film Festival, Screenwriting Competition -- Second Round 2001
Cynosure Screenwriting Awards -- Quarter-finalist 2002
New York Anti-Defamation League -- Dore Schary Award for Human Relations Filmmaking