Writer, actor, and peace worker Rachel Astarte Piccione was born in 1969 in DeKalb, Illinois and raised in Upstate New York. Her first non-fiction book, 101 BETTER SEX TIPS — a guide to deeper sexual intimacy — was published in 2007. Her novel, THE BRIDE
OF MANHATTAN, is currently available online at Barnes & Noble. This fall, her short story, "Atman/Ananda: A Diwali Miracle" will appear in Dr. Bernie Siegel's (LOVE, MEDICINE, & MIRACLES) new anthology. Rachel holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative
Writing from Emerson College in Boston and has studied Theater and Acting at Loughborough University (UK) and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. She is an ordained clergy-member, holding the title of Peace Counselor since 2002. Rachel is also
the founder of gentlefish productions, inc., a writing company committed to making positive change in the world.
Anthologies:
Journals: EGO MAGAZINE Column Titles: "Bindiewood: The Rise of Indian Independent & Crossover Cinema" & “Soul Sessions” THE ENGLISH RECORD “Losing Your Voice: Teaching Freshman Composition Students to Write What They Know (and Know What They Write,” Summer 2001.
AUDIOFILE MAGAZINE “An Interview with Dr. Andrew Weil,” May/June 2000. “Los Angeles Theatre Works: Beyond the Scenes,” March 1998. “The Brilliance of Playboy,” February 1998. “A New Year of Health,” January 1998. “Audio English: The Secret of Success,” September
1997. “Traveling With the Bard,” July 1997. “Stan Harrison: Blowing His Horn For Little Boy Blue,” June 1997. PHILADELPHIA WEDDINGS “And Now a Wedding from Our Sponsors,” August/September 1996.
Prizes: Semi-finalist in American Screenwriting Competition for feature script, "Little India." 2006.; John Caples International Awards (Nominee for Direct Marketing Copywriting). 2004.; Katha: Indian-American Fiction Contest (Second Prize). India Currents Magazine.
2004.; Poet Laureate of Bucks County. Bucks County, Pennsylvania. 1996–1997.; Twentieth Annual Pushcart Prize (Nominee for Poetry). 1995.