How did you become a senior copywriter?
It’s not so much that I chose this career, as it chose me. I was an avid reader from an early age, and did well in English classes in school. Writing is something that comes easily to me, and I also have a natural curiosity about the world. Those two qualities are key to being a good senior copywriter, and I learned the marketing component along the way.
What are other critical skills needed for your work?
A huge part of what I do is listen. It’s very important to be able to hear what people are saying, AND what they’re not saying about their businesses, products, services, and programs. Experience has given me the ability to know what questions to ask, and to bring out information people didn’t even know they had in them.
What is the best part of your job?
Helping people to communicate in writing. Many people are frustrated with the writing process, or don’t feel comfortable with it for whatever reason. I enjoy serving as a “mouthpiece” and helping them tell the stories they can’t tell themselves.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
Although running a business is gratifying, it’s also hard work, and sometimes I wish I could just get to the writing part.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the Chicago area, and relocated to Colorado as a young adult. As much as I miss my family and friends back in the Midwest, I love the weather, outdoor recreation opportunities, and friendly people here in Northern Colorado.
What is your educational background?
I have a B.A. in English Literature from University of Colorado at Denver, and an M.A. in English from Colorado State University (CSU). I really enjoyed my graduate program at CSU, as it gave me the opportunity to study a wide variety of English-related topics, including literature, literary theory, research, and linguistics. That’s where I became a true word nerd.
What positions have you held besides senior copywriter at FDC?
Early on, I worked on a contract basis for Hewlett-Packard Company, as a project manager, writer, and editor for about 20 internal clients. I assembled content for websites and oversaw the production of a monthly internal newsletter, which included interviewing engineers who were surprised that I was able to understand what they were talking about, and develop it into coherent, understandable written content.
After a couple of years, I had the opportunity to sign on as a senior copywriter with Vista Solutions, a technical consulting company that was just starting up. I led a team of writers that served many of the same clients at HP, under the Vista umbrella.
I also worked for the Larimer County nonprofit, Neighbor to Neighbor, as their Marketing Manager. I enhanced their messaging, updated and improved their volunteer program, and secured substantial funding from new and established sources. This included funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at a higher level than previous years at a time when some agencies were denied funding altogether.
Aside from your current career, what other jobs have you had?
Well, let’s see, my first job was as a corn detasseler, which is a Midwestern thing. I drove a school bus for about a year in college. And, I worked in the box office at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, which was great, because I got to work with other creative people, and got free tickets to plays, ballets, and operas.
What’s something surprising about you?
I have never had a cavity. And it’s not like I avoid candy.
What are your interests outside of work?
I like to hang out with my husband and our cat, garden, practice yoga, bike, walk, watch movies and TV, get together with friends, cook, camp, travel, and read.
Favorite book, movie, band?
Charlotte’s Web, the Harry Potter series, and The White Stripes.
