Jennifer Dornbush

I work as a screenwriter, author, international speaker, and forensic specialist. I was raised as the daughter of a medical examiner whose office was in our home; forensics and crime writing are infused into my DNA. I use my experiences and training in forensics to pen crime fiction for book, television, and film.

Some of my works include a recently optioned suspense thriller Hole in the Woods; historical crime fiction The Locard Principle; on-going mystery series The Coroner’s Daughter. I've also created the acclaimed crime writer’s guide Forensic Speak. As a screenwriter I've optioned, sold, developed, and adapted material for film and television. I'm a sought-out international teacher, speaker, and mentor. This list, however, tells you nothing about my mission and vision..

My storytelling mission is to shed light & hope into the dark recesses of human experience. I try to do this in my personal life. But I excel at doing this in my storytelling.

This mission was born and bred in me because I grew up around death. A lot of it. My father was a medical examiner and his office was in our house. I did my first death investigation when I was 8. It was an airplane crash. I held pieces of someone's skull in my tiny palm whilst standing in an airfield.

Over the next two decades, I saw the sadness and depravity of humanity. Through it, I developed a deep urgency to live each day as if I was just one step away from my grave (because I might be). I also learned to take nothing for granted. Not to burn bridges. And to be quick to forgive and to remove bitterness. I strive to take up everything that happens, every suffering, and find the meaning and purpose in it. Because doing this opens the path to hope and light, not just for my sake, but for the sake of everyone around me, as well.

Above all, I believe that we belong in community with each other. This is the only true joy. We are saved by belonging and serving one another. This is also what storytelling does. I am a happy servant of it.