My writing career began over 30 years ago when, as founding co-publisher of my fifth and sixth grade newspaper in Panora, Iowa, I wrote my first impassioned editorial on "Why My Hometown is Great."

The first thing I wrote as a grown-up was about my farm family's tradition of processing sweet corn for the freezer, a story that was read by Lee Kline on WHO Radio, published in Successful Farming magazine, and later reprinted in Greenprints magazine. I love my work, because I learn so much and get to talk with people about their passions in life.

I used to get teased in school for trying too hard and ruining the curve. But now editors appreciate the extra effort I make to always meet deadline and never exceed an assigned word count!

Resume

Education

  • B.A. in French (in progress), University of Idaho.
  • Graduate course in Culture and Cuisine of France, Gastronomy Department, Boston University, 2006.
  • M.A. Literature, University of Montana, Missoula, 1992.
  • B.A. English, Central College, Pella, Iowa, 1990, Magna Cum Laude.
  • Semester abroad, Trinity College, Carmarthen, Wales, 1987-1988.

Experience

  • Outreach and Membership Coordinator, Moscow Food Co-op, August 2008 - present.
  • Freelance writer/editor/columnist. 1998 - present. Repeat assignments with Spokane Spokesman-Review, Moscow Pullman Daily News, Northwest Travel, Idaho Magazine, Idaho Arts Quarterly, Northern Southeast Aquaculture Assn, City of Moscow Historic Preservation Commission.
  • Project director/writer/editor/grantwriter for Moscow Public Library: A Century of Service centennial exhibit and booklet. 2006. Funded by Idaho Humanities Council.
  • Bookstore Manager, Brused Books, Pullman, Washington, 2001-2005.
  • Administrative Assistant, Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sitka, Alaska, 2000-2001.
  • Contract Employee, Planning Office, City of Sitka, Sitka, Alaska, 2000.
  • Contract Secretary, Planning and Zoning Commission, City of Sitka, 1999-2000.
  • Bookseller, Old Harbor Books, Sitka, Alaska, 1997-2000.
  • Library Assistant, Public Library, Grundy Center, Iowa, 1996-1997.
  • Coffee shop Manager/Baker/Cook, Backdoor and Mojo Cafes, Sitka, Alaska, 1995.
  • Office Manager, Hoffmann & Associates Architects, Missoula, Montana, 1991-1994.
  • Research Assistant/Writer/Editor, Center for Resourceful Building Technology, Missoula, Montana, 1990-1991.
  • Youth Hostel Manager/Cook, Central College Hostel, London, England, 1989, 1990.
  • Editor, Central College Ray (weekly), Pella, Iowa, 1988-1990.