I’m Derrick Mund, a writer and educator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Colorado Boulder. I’ve taught creative writing at the college level, led writing workshops, and mentored students across disciplines including nursing, psychology, business, legal studies, criminal justice, public policy, and education. My work spans poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and I regularly edit dissertations, research papers, proposals, and grants, while balancing canonical work with emerging voices. Beyond the classroom, I edit poetry for SpringGun Press and organize community literary events in Denver, such as The Leon Affair reading series and the Denver Small Press Fest. I also work as a freelance AI prompt writer and editor, helping clients shape ideas, craft clear content, and develop editorial strategies through prompt design, content planning, and feedback that guides writing and research projects.

Derrick Mund

I’m Derrick Mund, a writer and educator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Colorado Boulder. I’ve taught creative writing at the college level, led writing workshops, and mentored students across disciplines including nursing, psychology, business, legal studies, criminal justice, public policy, and education. My work spans poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and I regularly edit dissertations, research papers, proposals, and grants, while balancing canonical work with emerging voices. Beyond the classroom, I edit poetry for SpringGun Press and organize community literary events in Denver, such as The Leon Affair reading series and the Denver Small Press Fest. I also work as a freelance AI prompt writer and editor, helping clients shape ideas, craft clear content, and develop editorial strategies through prompt design, content planning, and feedback that guides writing and research projects.

Available to hire

I’m Derrick Mund, a writer and educator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Colorado Boulder. I’ve taught creative writing at the college level, led writing workshops, and mentored students across disciplines including nursing, psychology, business, legal studies, criminal justice, public policy, and education. My work spans poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and I regularly edit dissertations, research papers, proposals, and grants, while balancing canonical work with emerging voices.
Beyond the classroom, I edit poetry for SpringGun Press and organize community literary events in Denver, such as The Leon Affair reading series and the Denver Small Press Fest. I also work as a freelance AI prompt writer and editor, helping clients shape ideas, craft clear content, and develop editorial strategies through prompt design, content planning, and feedback that guides writing and research projects.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
Portuguese
Advanced

Work Experience

Academic Tutor at Purdue Global
January 1, 2022 - Present
Provided individualized tutoring for undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds, including working adults and non-traditional students. Supported disciplines such as nursing, psychology, business, legal studies, criminal justice, public policy, communication, education, and literature. Developed custom video feedback, webinars, and revision strategies to enhance student writing skills. Regularly offered feedback and guidance on research papers, proposals, case studies, and grant writing.
Professor at Grand Valley State University
December 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Designed and taught creative writing courses emphasizing experimentation and critical thinking. Mentored students in multiple writing genres during in-person and digital office hours. Conducted classes using various learning styles, including lectures, workshops, discussions, and writing activities. Stayed current on fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and hybrid literary trends to balance canonical and avant-garde work.
Instructor at University of Colorado, Boulder
December 31, 2011 - July 18, 2025
Taught creative writing courses and facilitated Iowa-style workshops. Developed a balanced teaching style combining active and passive learning by attending pedagogical workshops regularly.
Poetry Editor at SpringGun Press
December 31, 2016 - July 18, 2025
Managed editorial processes for both print and digital poetry publications. Collaborated with authors on manuscript development, ensuring diverse representation. Represented the press at national book fairs and conferences. Evaluated submissions for publication.
AI Prompt Writer & Editor (Freelance) at Freelance
January 1, 2020 - Present
Created and refined prompts for large language models for various clients. Provided critical review and content strategy related to AI-driven writing.
Co-Founder at The Leon Affair (Reading Series), Denver, CO
December 31, 2017 - July 18, 2025
Managed all aspects of a monthly reading series featuring local and touring authors. Built strong relationships with local artists, publishers, and venues.
Co-Founder at Denver Small Press Fest, Denver, CO
December 31, 2015 - July 18, 2025
Successfully launched and managed a regional print media festival.
Co-Founder/Host/Producer at Raconteur Denver
December 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Produced a monthly storytelling series featuring diverse narrators and perspectives. Developed strong rapport with local businesses to foster community growth.
Bar Manager at Baur’s, Denver, CO
December 31, 2017 - July 18, 2025
Managed bar operations including menu design, staff training, inventory, and pricing. Cultivated business-to-business relationships through partnerships with local musicians and beverage representatives for events. Established waste reduction standards focusing on seasonality, local beverages, and water usage.
Academic Tutor at Purdue Global
January 1, 2022 - November 21, 2025
Provided individualized tutoring for undergraduate and graduate students across nursing, psychology, business, legal studies, criminal justice, public policy, communication, and education. Developed custom video feedback, webinars, and revision strategies to improve student writing skills. Delivered editorial feedback and guidance for dissertations, research papers, proposals, and grants.
Professor at Grand Valley State University
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Designed and taught creative writing and storytelling courses (COM 215, WRT 219). Conducted classes using a mix of lecture, workshop, and discussion; balanced active and passive learning through ongoing professional development and peer observation.
Instructor at University of Colorado, Boulder
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2011
Taught creative writing courses (Eng 1191, Eng 2021) and facilitated Iowa-style workshops; developed teaching strategies balancing diverse learning styles and regularly engaged in pedagogical trainings.
Poetry Editor at SpringGun Press
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Managed the editorial process for print and digital publications from selection to publication; collaborated with authors on manuscript development; produced and hosted events and managed press booths at national book fairs and conferences.
AI Prompt Writer & Editor at Freelance
January 1, 2020 - November 21, 2025
Created and refined prompts for large language models for diverse clients; provided critical review and content strategy; partnered with companies including Bulba, WeLocalized, Outlier, and Accun AI.
Co-Founder at The Leon Affair (Reading Series)
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Launched a monthly reading series in Denver featuring national, local, and international authors and performers; attendance ranged from 20–80.
Co-Founder at Denver Small Press Fest
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Built a regional festival to promote and celebrate the printed media as part of a six-person team; responsibilities included festival coordination and partner relations.
Co-Founder/Host/Producer at Raconteur Denver
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Co-produced a monthly storytelling series; leveraged hospitality networks to foster community growth; recruited, booked, and coached local performers.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at University of Colorado, Boulder
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2011
Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Grand Valley State University
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at University of Colorado Boulder
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Writing, Philosophy at Grand Valley State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
TEFL Certification, Level Three at The TEFL Academy
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

TEFL Certification, Level Three
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality