Writer. Counselor. Storyteller.
Kirk writes books and essays, photographs people and performances, counsels and coaches, covers Cincinnati theatre, and occasionally helps people plan a trip to Disney World.
About Kirk
Kirk Sheppard has spent more than two decades as a counselor, twenty years in professional wrestling, and fifteen years writing about Cincinnati theatre. Along the way, he's written novels, memoir, essays, devotionals, plays and a guide to Disney World.
His work has taken a lot of different forms, but the constant has been an interest in people: what they make, what they carry, what they hide, what they hope for and the stories they tell about all of it.
Read more about Kirk →
Rope Burn
For fifteen years, Luke has been the most important person in a wrestling promotion that will never love him back.
A story about passion, sacrifice, and the slow realization that the things we give ourselves to most completely are sometimes the things that consume us.
Also by Kirk: Soul Audit, Jesus & Me, Broken Stools, The Magic of It All and The Search Party. Browse all books →
What Kirk Does
Writing, coaching, counseling, photography, theatre journalism and travel planning all have a place here.
Coaching
Coaching for writers, performers and creative people who are building something, changing something or trying to get unstuck.
Photography
Story & Soul Photography covers theatre, portraits, events and people.
Off Book Cincinnati
Theatre journalism, essays, interviews, photography and arts coverage from around Greater Cincinnati.
Counseling
Kirk is a licensed professional clinical counselor with a private practice serving adults.
Story & Soul Travel
Boutique Disney vacation planning, including personalized recommendations and trip support.
Upcoming Events
Book signings, festivals and other public appearances.
Fifty
In 2026, the year Kirk turned 50, he set out to publish one personal essay every week. Fifty collects those essays about life, creativity, memory, travel, theatre and whatever else had his attention along the way.