Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my little corner of the internet.
I'm a connoisseur of words and collector of quirky, weird, and unique names and phrases.
A novelist at heart, I look forward to the day when I win the Powerball and can devote myself to the life of scribbling away - primarily upmarket (aspiring to be literary) fiction with strong female leads.
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Till then...paying the bills involves jobs where I can utilize my artistic skills to move good causes, people, issues, or legislation forward in the world. My passion is using storytelling to craft creative narratives that build broad coalitions for collaboration and consensus. I love drawing in an audience with art and light a passion in others.
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When not working or writing, I am active with several organizations in my community of Alexandria, VA, enjoying wine country, finding the best bourbon-based cocktail recipes, or catering to every whim of Goose, my French Brittany, (scroll down to Contact section for a photo! And yes, he's my lil wing man!)
Published Books & Projects
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Novel. Published 2006 by AuthorHouse
Shelby Maxwell is a photojournalist who accepts assignments all over the world for the adventure and glamour. Selfish and self-absorbed, she is bored and on the cusp of a midlife crisis. After her cousin is murdered, she must help catch the person who is going to pin the murder on her.
She end up finding a path to growth and grace, becoming a kinder, more intelligent person in the face of adversity.
This is a great beach read, written in the journalism style with short sentences & chapters.
Available in paperback & e-book at Amazon, and other retailers
invisible veterans
I had the supreme honor of knowing Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, a former Marine and advocate for women service members and veterans.
I was thrilled when she asked me to write the Foreword to her incredible book Invisible Veterans: What Happens When Military Women Become Civilians Again for women veterans reentering the civilian world.
Find at Amazon, any retailer or through Bloomsbury Press
articles & Other Projects
"It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." ~Harry Truman
I have been fortunate to be part of many writing projects over the years, most of which are government or corporate proprietary documents. But, here is a snapshot of some of my public-facing nonfiction work:
Open Doors: The Staff Speaks! YouTube video series
I conducted the interviews (photo left) in Kyiv, Ukraine at the Ukrainian Institute of Traumatherapy and working with my translator, Svetlana, created a video series to introduce the staff to UIT donors
Op-Ed in Military Times to Secretary-Elect Denis McDonough, January 2021
Thrive Global contributor, 2019-2021
At the invitation of Ariana Huffington, I contributed articles on wellness, mindfulness and positive habit stacking (articles no longer on their website)
Contributing writer & book reviewer for the pop culture websites Cloture Club and HollywoodJesus
From 2016-2020, I had the honor of being the Virginia point person for the compelling documentary Thank You For Your Service (Creative Chaos, VMG)
I planned the private screening at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate; Sept. 2016 Washington, D.C. premier of the film; and participated in the panel discussions after many screenings.
Upcoming Books & Projects
I am currently working on four new fiction book ideas:
- And the Home of the Brave
- The Rest of the Story is So Much Better
- Learning to Write The Name I've Chosen
- Four
Check back soon for more details!
Consulting & Communications
I excel at seeing the big picture and helping clients change their perspective or clarify their goals through crisp, concise storytelling and artistic, engaging content be that videos, newsletters, social media posts, photography or other materials. I'll be the outsider asking a lot of questions (like, A LOT of questions) to help you recalibrate your perspective.
Content Writing
I create high-quality content that educates, informs, and entertains through writing and editing. Whether you need assistance with website copy, press releases, articles, op-eds, blog posts, research memos, promotional materials, fundraising materials or something else, I am open to a wide range of content.
Photography & Video
I love love love taking photos and creating video content that unleashes my creativity! Whether it is for a website, social media or other purpose, I'll help you brainstorm, plan and strategize, see the big picture and small details, and use visual arts to connect you with and retain the audience you want achieve your goals.
Website Design & Content
I have worked with several individuals, non profit organizations, entrepreneurs and civic organizations to create or revise their websites, providing high-quality content, photography and videos to educate and entertain.
Editing and Proofreading
I provide comprehensive editing and proofreading services to ensure your content is error-free, polished, and professional. Whether you need a quick proofread of your organizations's print and web-based content or a deep dive with a n eye towards consulting on a complete audit and overhaul, I've got you covered.
Beta Reading with Feedback
I offer personalized assistance to help develop your writing skills, polish your book manuscript, short stories or screenplay and achieve your goals as a writer. From brainstorming sessions to strategy development to honest, yet kind and thoughtful critiques of your fiction or nonfiction works, I'll be your partner every step of the way. Hey, I'm a writer too! We all need a Beta Reader to be supportive yet honest!
ContacT:
Message me on WhatsApp
Alexandria, VA, USA
