A writer without a portfolio is like ice cream without chocolate sauce... not all that appealing. So, below you'll find some links to PDF files of some of my work. Not all, by any means, just representative samples of things I've done that will give you an idea of my style.
I have written several pieces for Tyler Junior College for their Foundation newsletter and also The Apache, the school magazine. I am working to spin some of these off into articles in other publications, such as these in The Azalean and Tyler Today about TJC's newly-remodeled Brundrett Azalea Garden.
Writer's Digest published an article for writers trying to better organize their time in its Writer's Yearbook Start Writing Now! issue, November 2003.
Routine Maintenance -- Maximizing your freelance writing time by designating a day to handle all the details that bog down the writing life.
An interview with the Maytag Repairman, Gordon Jump. Featured in Fabricare Canada magazine. He's an interesting guy, and a lot of fun to talk to! (Note: Gordon has since passed away.)
Your Worst Nightmare -- a column for Fabricare Canada magazine, giving pointers to drycleaners on how to deal with the media in crisis or other situations.
Freshen Up Your Marketing for 2001 -- an article which ran in The World of Professional Petsitting. If you've never talked to one, petsitters are a breed of their own (pardon the pun.) I interviewed dozens by phone and e-mail, and came away with a new respect for a rather offbeat profession.
You Should Be Giving It Away -- a column for Fabricare Canada magazine, in two parts, about what employers should be GIVING their employees, in order to GET the most out of them.
I also wrote a weekly e-mail newsletter for drycleaners to send to their customers. To keep it interesting (and therefore keep ME interested) I try to take an unexpected approach to subjects covered.
Examples would include:
Topic: Perspiration Stains.
Approach: How we sweat, what kinds of sweat we produce, how the body generates perspiration and why.
Topic: RN Numbers on garment labels.
Approach: The Art of Effective Complaining -- how to gather information for a complaint, effective techniques, resources.
Newsletter Samples
For each of these newsletters I selected the topic, decided how to approach it, did the research, put together the graphic illustration, wrote the text and posted it for the users of the service to access online.
Perspiration Stains -- Don't Sweat It
RN Numbers -- The Art of Effective Complaining
Insulated Garments -- Bundle Up
Fancy Garments -- All the Fancy Trimmings
Suede Care -- Per-SUEDE Me
Cashmere -- Never Let Them Get Your Goat
Buttons -- All Buttoned Up
Belts and Buckles -- Buckle Up
Sept. 11, 2002 Memorial -- We Are Changed
Fabric Design Goes Digital -- Ink Jet technology on fabric?