Ward James Riley received his M.A. in Literature from Hunter College. He has taught English Literature and Public Speaking at New York University, Adelphi, and Bergen Community College. Ward was formerly a professional actor and director. He has been active in Westchester, New York and Long Island theatres for many years. Ward has appeared as Maurice in Athol Fugard's BLOODKNOT in Hailey's WHO'S HAPPY NOW? as Nick in SIGHT UNSEEN and as Frank in FAITH HEALER. Ward's acting and directing experience allows him to transfer his insights to his writing, making him an extremely empathetic and versatile writer. A published poet, he is a past winner of the Pace University Prize for Poetry. His latest poem about Emily Dickinson can be seen on Poetry.com. Ward has served as Assistant Editor and Contributing Editor on several periodicals, and is currently hard at work on a new screenplay. Most importantly, Ward is the father of the beautiful and talented Katherine, who plays young "Emily" in this short film.

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