This past year was my first full tax year of going out on my own. This means I’ll be looking at the work I’ve done over the past year and assessing what stories I enjoyed writing, what publications I value, and what other projects (marketing, social media management, public relations, etc.) enriched my work life. Here’s a little look at my year in review …

Journalism

Locally, I wrote stories for Central Virginia Home, Charlottesville Home, R•Home, Richmond Magazine, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Roanoke Valley Home, Style Weekly, and Virginia Living. I’ve been blogging weekly for The Knot’s site and writing stories for their biannual DC/MD/VA print issue. I just started blogging frequently for the Swedish-American publication Umgås Magazine, and have been enjoying that gig as it combines journalism with my passion for Scandinavian culture. My lifestyle stories also were featured on Racked and The Scout Guide’s blog.

Copy Editing

I’ve continued in my role as copy editor for The Scout Guide, editing their 60-some city publications before they head to the printer. Through Vitamin T, I was connected with Richmond-based Barber Martin Agency, where I helped copy edit print and broadcast advertising copy as a temp worker. Copy editing allows me to embrace my inner OCD nature. My first copy editing gig was at Media General’s Consolidated Editing Center in Lynchburg, Va., and I’m very happy to continue line editing in a freelance capacity.

Marketing / Content Writing

I’m excited to venture further into the marketing and copy writing world. Any agency’s looking for help? I’m here! This year I worked with Wells Fargo, WineCountry.com, NapaValley.com, Sonoma.com, and Shutterfly’s Wedding Paper Divas.

Public Relations

I work 10 to 20 hours a week with the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center for the Arts, where I write music center’s press releases and put together program copy. I’ve also been doing some side public relations for Richmond’s new CURRENT Art Fair and Reynolds Gallery.

Social Media Management

While managing the public relations for CURRENT Art Fair, I also ran their Instagram feed, and realized that social media management is a side gig I very much enjoy. As someone who lives on social media, I see what a powerful tool it is for story-telling and marketing.

In 2017, I’d like to:

1. Have a more organized editorial calendar
2. Write for new lifestyle publications
3. Venture more into the copy writing world
4. Write more about art, culture, design, food, and travel

A special thank you to everyone who has made 2016 a fruitful and exciting year!

xo, marissa