I wear many hats, but I am a writer, and storyteller, first.
That’s handy today because writing and the ability to tell a story are the special ingredients that makes so many things work – from websites that intrigue …to books you want to read …to presentations that entertain and inform.
Anyone can learn to communicate more effectively, but, just like any skill, if you’ve been studying it and practicing it for, ahem, decades, you are better at it than most.
When I was in grade school I wrote my first mystery story on a 3-inch notepad. I still have it … somewhere.
Today I write, publish, speak to groups (small and large) about pursuing your passions, living joyfully and embracing the possibilities.
I’ve been a published writer for 30 years, and I’m excited about the opportunities available today for writers. Traditional options still fill a need and POD and e-books offer variety and new channels to reach people.
In 2004 I established Works by Design, LLC, where I offer web design, marketing, consulting and support for professionals and small businesses. I am able to use my knowledge of writing and speaking to help businesses maximize the delivery of their message and communicate powerfully.
Recently I founded SW Montana Magazine – the best digital magazine about SW Montana, one that is growing daily. It’s an exciting publication and allows me to pursue my love of writing, give other writers the opportunity to grow their platform, encourage businesses and entrepreneurs and share my love of this state with others.
Writing and Publishing Background
My first publication was as a photo-journalist for Cycle News, a newspaper covering off-road racing. My subsequent writing and publication included being a stringer for the Billings Gazette, Great Falls Tribune and a columnist for the Bozeman Chronicle.
I’ve published articles in Big Sky Journal, Midwest Art, Sunset Magazine, Highlights for Children, and others. I’ve won writing awards from the Montana Institute of the Arts, been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, served as president for the Montana Authors Coalition, founded the Big Sky Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, was Book Project Manager for three book compilations, Editor/Contributing Writer for Yellowstone Country, GoldWest Country, Russell Country and Missouri River Country Travel Guides.
I wrote Camping in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming for Avalon Travel Publishing, Southwest Montana Auto Adventures for Canyon Publications, Comfort Verses and Divorce is not Destiny for Works by Design Publications. More books are in development.
I serve as editor for SW Montana Magazine and hold an annual writing conference, Get Published!, in Bozeman every summer.
Marketing and the Internet
I’ve been in marketing and advertising for decades, and I’ve taught classes on websites, blogging, Internet marketing, social media, advertising, writing and speaking. I’ve worked for and owned a small business, and understand the challenges and opportunities.
I have over 25 years experience in marketing and advertising, as a Marketing Director, Advertising Executive, designer and copywriter.
I learned advertising as an ad sales rep for a Pennysaver/Shopper, where I worked closely with small businesses, designed their ads and helped them monitor their results. My interest in advertising and marketing continued when I helped established the Bozeman Ad Club, a somewhat short-lived but informative meeting of business people and media providers. I was the Marketing Director for a national land-sales corporation, an Account Manager for an international marketing company and Communications Director for a software developer. That experience set me on the path to learn everything I could about how the Internet and social media could benefit businesses.
Community and Related Activities
I’ve lived in Bozeman for nearly three decades, and have been active in community as a volunteer. I work with businesses as a volunteer with Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR), Prospera and the Women’s Business Center.
I’ve served as Area Governor for Toastmasters, as a therapy team for Intermountain Therapy Animals, and speaker at events, meetings and conferences. I teach adult ed classes on websites, marketing and the Internet for Bozeman School District.
I speak at conferences, for organizations and retreats.
