So how does a fiction writer/teacher become a copy/content writer?

I received a BA in English (with a minor in journalism) and wrote fiction for over a decade after earning my MFA, arriving at the desk at four most mornings to squeeze in as much writing time as possible before the daily grind began. And I’ve even had the good fortune of seeing many stories find their way to publication.

However, this predawn habit, sustained by equal parts discipline and sleep deprivation, eventually guided me to an epiphany: my passion isn’t necessarily for writing fiction, but for the writing process itself and for using that process to tell stories.

Any stories. My story. Your story. Your brand’s story.

And so, five years ago, I made a decision: Instead of carving time in the day during which to write, why not conclude my ten-year tenure in the classroom and make writing my daily grind? Why not sit at a regular desk—or stand at a standing desk—and churn copy all day? Why not channel my passion for words, communication, thorough research, and solving the ubiquitous analytics problem of purpose and audience in all its myriad forms—from marketing emails and web content to Instagram posts and banner ads—into a satisfying career?

After I pressed the brakes on this line of rhetorical questioning, I got started turning that potential career into an actual one.

I already knew I could burn away an entire day tinkering with the written word. But I've also discovered in the interim four years that I'm not terrible at:

• Conducting keyword research and analysis to help your content rank and to increase your company's visibility in Google search

• Gathering as much information as needed about your audience, product or marketplace in order to write in an appropriate voice, from a place of trust and authority, and within the most strategic channels and media

• Crafting creative, benefit-driven copy and engaging content that utilizes organic, on-page SEO to reach you target audience

In short, I’m still a storyteller.

I’m just constantly expanding my view of what stories I want to tell.

02 — Experience

• Conducting thorough content audits to inform story-driven, human-centered, UX-optimized content strategies and user-friendly sitemaps.

• Managing a team of copywriters and working with developers and SEO to make sure content lands where it needs to and does what it's supposed to.

• Writing benefit-driven copy and engaging content that utilizes organic, on-page SEO and user-first language to help clients reach their target audience.

• Reviewing content from copywriters to ensure content strategy, brand voice, and AP style have been followed.