I’ve been a full time professional freelance writer since 1999, with articles and photos published in newspapers, magazines and other special publications across the country.
For the business community, I lend my creative talents to website and print copy, newsletters, media releases, brochures, and more. I’ve written for large and small businesses, marketing agencies, health authorities, government, volunteer groups, and non-profit organizations. (see client list)
Before shifting my career to writing, I spent 17 years in the federal government, where I learned to type very fast (along with a few other handy skills). While there, I also acquired a deep, abiding appreciation for Plain English Language, and a shuddering aversion to acronyms.
More recently, I worked two terms for the creative team at Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency as a Senior Communications Officer, writing and editing a photography manual, a visual identity manual and a corporate guide, and assisting with the development of their new public website and Intranet site.
I have written for Homemakers, Saltscapes, 50 Plus, Acreage Life, Outdoor Canada, Nature Canada, Wildlife Canada, Atlantic Salmon Journal, Progress, Golf Inc., Atlantic Travel Guide, Atlantic Books Today, Occasions, Islands, and Atlantic Co-operators, among others. My word portrait of Chuck “The Woodchuck” Bernard was chosen as a finalist in the 2007 Atlantic Journalism Awards, Best Profile category.
Three of my profiles were included in Super Seniors (Senior InterPress 2004), a book anthology on active seniors, and in 2010, I released my first full-length book, Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka (Goose Lane Editions), which is now in its second printing and was shortlisted for the Atlantic Booksellers’ Choice Award in 2011.
I also blog and deliver my own series of writing workshops under the name Nature of Words, giving both seasoned writers and beginners an opportunity to learn new techniques and play with words.
Outside the realm of writing, I’ve been a candy striper, a grocery store cashier, a secretary, a clerk, a Santa Claus, an office manager, an air traffic control simulator operator (now that’s a mouthful), an instructor, an entrepreneur, a kayak guide, a tour guide, a search and rescue volunteer, an event planner, a marathon runner, a website designer, and a wildlife rescuer.
Professional Associations
- President, Moncton Chapter, Professional Writers’ Association of Canada (PWAC)
- Board Member, Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB)
- Member, The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC)
- Member, ArtsLink NB (http://www.artlinksnb.com)
- Member, Tri-County Ground Search & Rescue
- Member, Albert Health & Wellness Community Advisory Committee
