Narrative Actualizer, Professional Writer, Event Producer
Portland, Oregon Area
- Current
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- Market research and community development at HeyIndie.com
- Creator and co-producer at Back Fence PDX (Sole Proprietorship)
- Instructor at Multnomah County Libraries
- Freelance writer at various media outlets
- Past
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- Copywriter at Havas Agency
- Novelist at Random House
- Adjunct professor of Creative Writing and English Composition at Pepperdine University
- Adjunct professor of Creative Writing and English Composition at Saint Mary's College of California
- Public relations account manager at Beck Ellman Heald
- Education
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- Saint Mary's College of California
- San Francisco State University
- Connections
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17
connections
- Industry
- Writing and Editing
- Websites
Melissa Lion’s Summary
Melissa Lion is an award-winning young adult novelist. Her two novels, Swollen and Upstream, have been published by Random House. Upstream is currently under option for a motion picture.
Large multi-national corporations pay her to write book reviews and blog content. She is very grateful to the global economy. She also stands in front of large groups of people and talks about narrative and social media and is the co-producer of the hugely successful storytelling series, Back Fence PDX.
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Melissa Lion’s Specialties:
writing, event production, marketing, public relations, project management.
Melissa Lion’s Experience
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Market research and community development
HeyIndie.com
(Online Media industry)
September 2009 — Present (3 months)
Interview bloggers for development of marketing strategy and monetization plan. Collaborate with the creative director
and the web developer to fine-tune products and facilitate relationships with blogging community. -
Creator and co-producer
Back Fence PDX (Sole Proprietorship)
(Sole Proprietorship; Events Services industry)
April 2008 — Present (1 year 8 months)
Back Fence PDX is a curated, bi-monthly storytelling series presenting everyday people and their stories to live audiences.
Grew audience from a forty person gathering in a crépe shop to sold-out Mission Theater crowds. Employ social media, traditional media outlets and personal networking to promote events and find new storytellers. Tasks involved with each production include contract negotiation with venues, procuring sponsorships, OLCC permitting, logistics planning
and promotion. Fostered partnerships with Powell's Bookstore, OPB's Livewire radio program, Mortified, Wordstock and
True Stories. Secured repeat sponsorships from Popina Swimwear, Saint Cupcake, Hotel DeLuxe, Dynagraphics, and
One Inch Round. Regular media coverage by the Oregonian newspaper, Portland Mercury, Willamette Week, KGW,
KUFO and numerous local blogs. Currently working on pilot for OPB radio. -
Instructor
Multnomah County Libraries
(Professional Training & Coaching industry)
October 2007 — Present (2 years 2 months)
Teach classes on writing and social media literacy for adults and teens.
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Freelance writer
various media outlets
(Writing and Editing industry)
January 2005 — Present (4 years 11 months)
Oregonian newspaper, Portland Mercury, Willamette Week, Culinate.com, San Francisco Chronicle,
WeatherChannel.com, TheDailyBeast.com, Barnes and Noble Review, and various publishing trade magazines.
Stories have included green living pieces, heath & beauty, food articles, and book reviews. -
Copywriter
Havas Agency
(Writing and Editing industry)
January 2008 — February 2009 (1 year 2 months)
Write blogs for account pitches in a variety of voices from a "playah" to a women's rights activist.
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Novelist
Random House
(Privately Held; 1001-5000 employees; Publishing industry)
2002 — 2008 (6 years )
My two novels, Swollen and Upstream, were released by Random House.
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Adjunct professor of Creative Writing and English Composition
Pepperdine University
(Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry)
December 2006 — June 2007 (7 months)
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Adjunct professor of Creative Writing and English Composition
Saint Mary's College of California
(Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Higher Education industry)
August 2004 — December 2006 (2 years 5 months)
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Public relations account manager
Beck Ellman Heald
(Writing and Editing industry)
October 2000 — November 2001 (1 year 2 months)
Press release writing, story-pitching and media buying for clients including Feld Entertainment, IKEA,
Brigantine Restaurant Group and upwards of 20 fertility doctors nationwide.
Melissa Lion’s Education
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Saint Mary's College of California
Master of Fine Arts , Creative Writing , 2000
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San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts , English , 1997
Melissa Lion’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
