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When
I was attending Hartwick College,
obtaining my major in English with a writing concentration,
the question I faced most often from family members
was, "What are you going to do with that major?
Teach?"
When
I said no, the next question was, "What, then?
Write for the paper?" When I said no to that as
well (didn't really picture myself as a Lois Lane type),
they gave up on me, convinced I was going no farther
than behind a starched waitress' apron at the nearest
lunch counter.
They
just didn't understand, I thought. My career
goal was obvious: I was going to write the Great American
Novel, of course!
Well,
I never wrote the Great American Novel (although I do
have several started, and have had several stories and
essays published in anthologies, magazines, and yes,
even the newspaper); then again, I never did end up
on the greasy side of a lunch counter, either.
I
always knew I wanted to be a writer, and for most of
my life I have managed to make that dream a reality,
in one form or another. My Great Adventure called a
career has included stints as a proofreader and copywriter
at advertising agencies, catalog writer for a science
supply company, bookseller (several times), education
researcher, Web content producer, Web content manager, and, most recently, associate editor.
I even spent a year as a high school English teacher!
(My first reaction to that career--"Er, no"--
was correct, at least for me. I have nothing but the
utmost respect for our nation's educators; however,
I was not meant to be one of them.)
My last job was associate editor of Rochester Review,
the University of Rochester's alumni magazine.
I wrote feature stories, compiled alumni Class Notes,
and posted the contents of the magazine on the UR Web
site. I also was editor of the university's annual report,
as well was various other projects.
While
I worked full time, I also fleshed out my experiences
doing freelance work. I have had jobs writing and/or editing
for pet catalogs, National Public Radio, various newsletters,
and literary magazines. I was a columnist for Gen
X Webzine; I (still) design, edit, and maintain health
reporter Liz Bonis' Web site, LightenUpWithLiz.com;
and I also write for IgniteWorldwide.com
projects.
In
fact, I find the world of freelance writing and design
so interesting (I get to learn new things) and fulfilling
(I get to make someone else look good) that I don' t
even consider it "work"--it's more of an enjoyable
pastime for which I am fortunate enough to be paid--that
I finally took the plunge and decided to commit to freelance
work full time.
So
if you think I can assist you with any writing or Web
design project, or both, please feel free to contact
me. I would truly enjoy working with you!
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