Russell Schechter

Russell Schechter is a Senior Lecturer and Course Lead for the BA Creative & Professional Writing and MA Creative Writing programs at St Mary's University. He holds a BS and Master’s from Cornell University and a PhD in Communication from the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on creative writing pedagogy, genre fiction (crime, horror, fantasy, sci-fi), film/media studies, and cultural analysis.

As 'Jay Russell,' he has authored eight books and numerous short stories across speculative genres. His academic work explores intersections between popular culture and sociological themes, including postmodernism, media impact on arts accessibility, and narrative forms in TV and literature. Key contributions include analyses of genre evolution and critical studies of cultural symbolism in fiction.

His publications span literary criticism, media theory, and creative works, reflecting a dual commitment to scholarly inquiry and creative expression. Notable works include Iron cage aesthetics (1992) examining postmodern culture and Real Estates, Fantasy Islands (1986) analyzing sitcoms as cultural mirrors.