jdenker

When I was attending Hartwick College, obtaining my major in English with a writing concentration, the question I faced most often from family members was, "What are you going to do with that major? Teach?" When I said no, the next question was, "What, then? Write for the paper?" When I said no to that as well (didn't really picture myself as a Lois Lane type), they gave up on me, convinced I was going no farther than behind a starched waitress' apron at the nearest lunch counter. They just didn't understand, I thought. My career goal was obvious: I was going to write the Great American Novel, of course! Well, I never wrote the Great American Novel (although I do have several started, and have had several stories and essays published in anthologies, magazines, and yes, even the newspaper); then again, I never did end up on the greasy side of a lunch counter, either. I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and for most of my life I have managed to make that dream a reality, in one form or another. My Great Adventure called a career has included stints as a proofreader and copywriter at advertising agencies, catalog writer for a science supply company, bookseller (several times), education researcher, Web content producer, and Web content manager. I even spent a year as a high school English teacher! (My first reaction to that career--"Er, no"-- was correct, at least for me. I have nothing but the utmost respect for our nation's educators; however, I was not meant to be one of them.) Most recently I was associate editor of Rochester Review, the University of Rochester's alumni magazine, where I wrote feature stories, compiled alumni Class Notes, and posted the contents of the magazine on the UR Web site. I also was editor of the university's annual report, as well was various other projects. While I worked full time, I also fleshed out my experiences doing freelance work. I have had jobs writing and/or editing for pet catalogs, National Public Radio, various newsletters, and literary magazines. I was a columnist for Gen X Webzine; I (still) design, edit, and maintain health reporter Liz Bonis' Web site, [login to view URL]; and I also write for [login to view URL] projects. In fact, I find the world of freelance writing and design so interesting (I get to learn new things) and fulfilling (I get to make someone else look good) that I don' t even consider it "work"--it's more of an enjoyable pastime for which I am fortunate enough to be paid--that I finally took the plunge and decided to commit to freelance work full time. So if you think I can assist you with any writing or Web design project, or both, please feel free to contact me. I would truly enjoy working with you!