It would be convenient to say that I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, but the truth is, I thought I wanted to study paleontology in college. It wasn’t until I got to Boston University and took my first college-level science and math courses that I realized my dream was a little misplaced. I enjoyed my composition classes far better than my science ones and quickly switched my major to English Literature. I also left Boston University and moved back home, realizing that a large, urban university wasn’t the right fit for me. Feeling uncertain about my future, I met with my college counselor, and he reminded me that I’d always enjoyed writing. “Why don’t you take a Creative Writing class?” he suggested. And that’s exactly what I did.
After submitting one of my pieces for a workshop, my professor took me aside and said that he liked my story and thought I should keep writing. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the impact of his encouragement; but looking back, I can confidently say that was the moment everything changed; that was the moment I began to view writing as more than a hobby.
Upon finishing my B.A. in English Literature, I went on to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing at Adelphi University in New York. After graduating, I taught writing courses for several years at Adelphi University, St. John’s University, and Kingsborough Community College. Then, I moved to Iowa and was accepted into the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. During my two years in the program, I taught college-level literature and creative writing courses and read submissions for the Iowa Review. In my third year, I won a fellowship to teach fiction at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Once I returned to the U.S., I took a job managing bulk sales at a local bookstore in Minneapolis. Then, in 2021, I decided to pivot toward freelance writing and editing.
Since then, I have served as a freelance writer and editor for various organizations, including Heidi Pitlor Editorial, Plympton, and Annual Reviews. In addition to editing, I also ghostwrite for trade and professional nonfiction titles and serve as a writing coach for high school students working on their college applications.
As much as I love writing, I also understand that it isn’t easy–that the writing process can be messy and circuitous and frustrating. But you don’t have to do it alone! As a writer, editor, teacher, and coach, I’ll be there to support you throughout the process. Uncertain about your path? Let me help you uncover your authentic story and voice.