Summary
* An award-winning freelance writer and editor with over 15 years of experience, specializing in technology and cultural trends and bridging the worlds of print and online.
* Journalism and copywriting characterized by precision, insight and creativity.
* A recent Master's graduate with critical perspectives on communication and culture and an ability to locate and analyze the larger narratives that underpin emerging trends.
Work Experience
Copywriter
Tribal DDB
* August 2010 to present. Created highly formatted copydeck for Manulife Financial (Living Timeline hub). Completed first draft of an 11 page, 3,500 word copydeck in less than four days. Delivered engaging, customer-facing copy that maintained brand tone while satisfying specific language requirements of legal department.
Proximity Canada
* September 2009 to present. Creating templated copydecks and brainstorming online ad concepts for Gillette.com. Rapid turnaround times and juggling multiple projects simultaneously has necessitated a high degree of organizational efficiency.
Research Consultant and Editor
Decode
* June 2003 to present. Freelance contributor to innovation thinktanks for Fido, Dentyne and Halls, which involved sharing personal insights and taking part in a variety of creative teamwork exercises. Also provided copyediting services for quantitative and qualitative client reports, ensuring house style was adhered to consistently.
Freelance Journalist
Various Newspapers and Magazine
* January 1999 to present. Established a successful freelance writing career with a focus on technology, popular culture, graphic design and branding. Developed and honed interview, research and writing skills alongside entrepreneurial aspects of freelance writing. Publications include: New York Times Magazine, National Post Business, Report on Business, Toronto Life, Toronto Star, Toronto Fashion and The Walrus.
Journalism Instructor
University of Toronto SCS
* February 2006 to present. Instructor for Freelancing the Feature and The Freelance Writing Business. Created course outlines, lesson plans and course kits for two separate eight-week courses to foster discussion and ensure the key aspects of journalism would be communicated effectively to students with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.
Copywriting, Project Proposals and Technical Writing
Various Clients
* January 2002 to present. Clients include Beehive Design, CashTech, Xenophile and SpotFrank.
Associate Producer
CBC Radio
* January to June 2004. Located interview subjects, developed show themes and assisted with scripts for Go, a CBC radio show about popular culture.
Education
* M.A. from York/Ryerson in Communication and Culture, June 2007.
* B.A. from Simon Fraser University, June 1998. History and psychology double major.
Books
* Title To Be Determined. Completed the final draft of my first novel in February 2010 and am currently seeking a publisher.
* A Very Lonely Planet: Love, Sex and the Single Guy. A non-fiction humour book published in May 2001 by Arsenal Pulp Press that examines the psychology of modern romance.
Interests
* I am constantly learning and experimenting with a variety of narrative and storytelling formats, from short stories published in local literary magazines to a script for an original half-hour sitcom pilot set in Toronto.
* I am an amateur bartender with a focus on pre-Prohibition era cocktails.
* I have been blogging regularly since 2003 at TheBiggeIdea Blog