Freelance Highlights:
Derrick Watkins: Motivational Speaker based in Union, New Jersey
Ghost Writer
Atlanta, Georgia
January 2008 – Present
• Authored a 200-page self-help book for domestic-violence victims
• Authored a 150-page informative guide about drinking and driving
• Authored a 150-page book about recovering from abusive relationships
Ventures Interactive: Startup E-Marketing Company based in Denver, Colorado
Ghost Writer
Atlanta, Georgia
July 2008 – Present
• Solely responsible for developing forum-seeding campaigns for clients’ Web sites
• Composed blogs and SEO content to drive traffic to clients’ Web sites
Trinity Teen Solutions: Teen Rehabilitation Program based in Powell, Wyoming
Ghost Writer
Atlanta, Georgia
June 2009 – Present
• Authored blog postings and SEO content for the program’s Web site
• Researched and wrote content on a variety of topics including drug use, sexual abuse, and behavioral disorders
• Worked with staff on content ideas and publicity campaigns
Worldwide Alliance of Writers – Alpharetta, Georgia
• Authored 100-page user guide for Wwaow self-publishing service
• Composed ad copy for Wwaow self-publishing brochure
• Launched national media campaign for Wwaow service and clients
Professional Experience:
Times-Georgian
Government Reporter
Carrollton, Georgia
May 2006 – June 2007
• Attended and covered weekly meetings of government officials
• Handled inquiries from the public of both a positive and negative nature
• Honed grammatical, research, interviewing, and writing skills
• Managed public relations while satisfying daily story load
• Uncovered a local news story picked up by the Associated Press
Times-Journal, Inc.
Reporter, Editor
Marietta, Georgia
January 2004 – May 2006
• Managed staff and office administration while writing content for the newspaper
• Handled inquiries from the public of both a positive and negative nature
• Designed the newspaper’s layout on a weekly basis
• Probed relationships within the community to generate newspaper content
• Edited content for grammar, style, clarity, and accuracy.
Career Highlights:
Skirt Magazine, Online Edition
‘Muse of the Week’
May 2010
• Daily blog contributor, recognized for creative content on women’s interests and issues
• Recognized for the most number of responses to content from readers
• Generated appealing, relevant content daily for the second week of May 2010
• Continues to contribute blog content on a weekly basis
Skirt Magazine, Online Edition
‘Muse of the Month’
July 2007
• Daily blog contributor, recognized for creative content on women’s interests and issues
• Generated appealing, relevant content daily for the month of July 2007
• Collaborated with a community of writers on various topics and ideas
• Continues to contribute blog content on a weekly basis
Georgia Associated Press
‘Freedom of Information Award’
March 2006
• Awarded statewide for an investigative piece on water contamination in a local municipality
• Researched various state departments and documents to uncover loopholes missed by the state
• Interviewed city officials and private citizens to gain a well-rounded focus on the story
• Printed article put pressure on the municipality to ensure their water was up to code
Georgia Associated Press
‘Non-Deadline Reporting Award’
March 2006
• Awarded statewide for an investigative piece on the updated Georgia map, sold by the state Department of Transportation
• Questioned why several small municipalities in Carroll County were erased from the map
• Interviewed state officials and private citizens to gain a well-rounded focus on the story
• Printed piece garnered attention from the Georgia Associated Press, and consequently, various other newspapers across the state
Times-Journal, Inc.
‘Best Feature Story’
January 2006
• Awarded for a feature article written about a new, doggy-focused café and spa
• Creativity in interviewing and editorial style garnered great response from the public
Times-Journal, Inc.
‘Best News Story’
March 2004
• Awarded for a series focused on growth in Bartow County, Georgia
• Wrote several news pieces on expansion in the county’s schools, residencies, and infrastructure
• Interviewed city officials and private citizens to gain a well-rounded focus on the series
• Researched multiple documents and county departments to access numbers and information, giving depth to the articles
|