journalism · fiction · creative nonfiction

Write On Ron

Nearly three decades of storytelling — from war zones to literary fiction.

Explore My Work
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"Fiction writer, storyteller, essayist, and military veteran whose work explores identity, place, and memory."

— Ron Menchaca

What you'll find here

written with care, always
Portfolio

My Writing

Award-winning journalism, creative nonfiction, essays, book reviews, and fiction — including Pulitzer-nominated investigative work from nearly three decades in the craft.

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Blog

The Journal

Thoughts on writing, reading, the craft of storytelling, and life as an MFA student, veteran, and working writer in Charleston, S.C.

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Services

Hire Me

Freelance writing services including feature writing, creative nonfiction, web copy, press releases, speechwriting, and editorial consulting. Let's tell your story.

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Selected Work

nearly three decades in print

Investigative Journalism

"Sofa Super Store Fire" — Trapped

A year-long investigation into the furniture store fire that killed nine Charleston firefighters, leading to sweeping reforms. Pulitzer Prize nominee. Winner of six national journalism awards including the ASNE Jesse Laventhol Prize.

The Post and Courier 2007–2008

"Tarnished Badges"

Investigative series exposing how troubled police officers remained in law enforcement despite histories of misconduct, prompting statewide government reforms in South Carolina.

The Post and Courier 2005

"School Bus Breakdown"

Investigative series on the deteriorating condition of South Carolina's public school bus fleet that prompted direct legislative action. Winner of the Education Writers Association Award for Investigative Reporting.

The Post and Courier 2007

Creative Nonfiction

"Storybook Life: Remembering Cynthia Graham Hurd"

A portrait of the Charleston librarian and Emanuel AME Church shooting victim whose life of quiet service left an indelible mark on her city. Cover story.

College of Charleston Magazine Fall 2015

"Fear of Flying" — Cover Story

The story of a gifted distance runner whose athletic gifts masked a life-threatening eating disorder — and her road back to herself.

College of Charleston Magazine Summer 2015

"Taking Command" — Cover Story

Profile of a College of Charleston alumna who became an Apache helicopter pilot and combat veteran in Afghanistan — a story about grit, identity, and the unlikely paths that shape us.

College of Charleston Magazine Summer 2019

Essays & Opinion

"Sofa Super Store Fire" — Best Newspaper Writing

Essay included in the Poynter Institute's annual anthology of the best newspaper writing in America, recognizing the fire coverage as a landmark work of narrative journalism.

Poynter Institute 2009

"21st Century Muckrakers"

Essay on investigative journalism strategy published in Harvard University's Nieman Reports, drawing on lessons from two major investigative projects.

Harvard Nieman Reports Fall 2008

"Returning to the River: A Review of Peace Like a River"

Book review of Leif Enger's beloved novel, written during the MFA program at the College of Charleston.

Swamp Pink January 2026
RM

Hello, I'm Ron Menchaca.

I'm a fiction writer, essayist, and military veteran whose work explores identity, place, and memory. A former award-winning investigative journalist at The Post and Courier — where my reporting was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize — my writing career spans nearly three decades, from embedded war reporting in Iraq and Kuwait to literary fiction and creative nonfiction. I'm currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the College of Charleston, where I also serve as Vice President of Communications.

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let's tell your story

Whether you have a writing project in mind or just want to say hello — I'd love to hear from you.