
Writer, Editor, Presenter
Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Writer, Editor, Presenter
Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area
I am an enthusiastic, experienced communicator, having worked in public affairs, event planning, and marketing after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. Hook 'em, Horns!
An award-winning author and freelance writer and editor since 2000, I have written for Ladies' Home Journal, Family Circle, American Profile, and The Washington Post, as well as numerous inflight, regional (city) magazines, and alumni publications.
I've also written and edited newsletters, brochures, training manuals, articles, annual reports, and book drafts for business and non-profit clients.
Lately I've been writing books. I have published six children's books (fiction and nonfiction, with three more nonfiction on the way) and helped to co-write/edit three nonfiction books for adults. My new children's picture book, about a James Bondish tooth fairy, is titled You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?. Tooth has sold 12,000+ copies since its August 2007 launch. A French version is in the works. Yeah, buddy! One step closer to world domination! <g>
Okay, the part you really need to pay attention to: I'm Linkedin because I'm seeking editing/proofreading work, school visit/conference bookings, and article/book gigs -- especially of cool people, companies, or places.
Want to know more about me? Visit my two writing websites or my Blogger blogs.
writing, editing, research, manuscript critiques, website development (Dreamweaver), volunteer management, fundraising, marketing, public relations, interpersonal relationships, handing out compliments, commercial baking
(Writing and Editing industry)
May 2000 — Present (8 years 8 months)
Award winning author and freelance writer and editor of features and profiles for publications and websites including American Profile, Family Circle, Ladies' Home Journal, The Washingon Post, and numerous inflight, regional and alumni magazines.
Collateral writer/editor for business clients, helping to develop brochures, newsletters, articles, training materials, and book drafts.
Author/co-author of 10 books, eight for juvenile market. My latest children's book, a humorous picture book titled You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?, has sold 11,000 copies since its August 2007 launch. It will soon be printed in French.
Special skills: quality writing, interviewing, researching, copyediting, and critiquing. Desktop publishing, graphic design, web site development, marketing, public relations, tactful management of client/editor/source expectations.
(Non-Profit; 1-10 employees; Writing and Editing industry)
April 2007 — April 2008 (1 year 1 month)
My wonderful co-chair Salley Shannon (a fabulous writer) and I have planned the overall look and feel of the upcoming 2008 conference, being held April 11-13, in NYC.
It's been a challenge, given the diversity and strong opinions of its members. But I've enjoyed further honing my flexibility, creativity, and interpersonal skills, and watching our all-volunteer conference committee gel into a cohesive group. Without them, the conference would not be offering up its first-rate educational sessions, writer/editor one-on-ones, and numerous networking opportunities.
Per the ASJA website: "Founded in 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation's leading organization of independent nonfiction writers. Our membership consists of more than 1,100 outstanding freelance writers of magazine articles, trade books, and many other forms of nonfiction writing, each of whom has met ASJA's exacting standards of professional achievement."
http://www.asja.org
(Public Company; 5001-10,000 employees; Health, Wellness and Fitness industry)
January 1998 — April 2000 (2 years 4 months)
AstraZeneca is a drug company based in Wilmington, Del., that feels strongly about giving back to the community. I managed an extensive "5 A Day" exhibit program at agricultural/health trade shows and local elementary schools. I also coordinated community fundraising events with company partners such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and United Way. And I penned communications that enhanced AstraZeneca's reputation as a great employer within its internal community, and a good neighbor with its external communities.
Special skills: project management, community/public relations, writing, fundraising, volunteer management.
(Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Marketing and Advertising industry)
June 1995 — December 1997 (2 years 7 months)
The Merchandising Group maintains a national force of part-time field reps who, on a weekly or monthly basis, complete merchandising/sales objectives set by TMG's retail clients. I managed a team of 35 reps, dedicated to several high-tech client accounts.
Special skills: training, education, goal identification, project management, employee motivation and development.
BA, communications
reading, writing, cooking, travel, movies, live theater, God, literacy, empowering youth, dance, interior design, friends, hubby, museums, great food and wine
SCBWI, FLX, ASJA, Authors Guild, Western New York Writers & Illustrators, DPA, NFPW
First Place, National Federation of Press Women 2008 Communications Contest, Children's Books - Fiction (You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy? - Chronicle Books)
First Place, National Federation of Press Women 2008 Communications Contest, Children's Books - Non-Fiction (Amazing Maya Inventions You Can Build Yourself - Nomad Press)
First Place, Delaware Press Association 2008 Communications Contest, Children's Books - Fiction (You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy? - Chronicle Books)
First Place, Delaware Press Association 2008 Communications Contest, Children's Books - Non-Fiction (Amazing Maya Inventions You Can Build Yourself - Nomad Press)
First Place, National Federation of Press Women 2002 Communications Contest, Special Articles: Art, Entertainment, Fashion