adj: producing or resulting in good by chance

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I've had a great writing and editing career so far. It started during college at Northern Michigan University, where I served on the board of directors of the North Wind, our independent student newspaper. There, I met Pat, an incredible woman who hired me to work at the Marquette Monthly, her arts and culture magazine. For four amazing years, I did writing, editing, layout and design, and learned so much about the publishing business and how to be part of a community.

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While at MM, I also spent two years at 8-18 Media, a youth journalism program of the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. This was another incredible experience, where I mentored youth on creating print and radio stories. I also had the great pleasure to get to know these kids on a personal level and just had so much fun! (In fact, this blog was inspired by my time at 8-18 Media. I used to write a column in the monthly newsletter titled "A Word from Erin.")

 

 In 2005, I relocated to the Minneapolis area and began to work as the community news editor of the American Jewish World, an independent newspaper that dates back to 1912. I served in that role for more than 10 years and really had the best time! I learned so much about writing and journalism, and really learned to hone my skills. But I also met some truly amazing people, including my boss Mordecai, who believed in me and inspired me to always do better. That was invaluable experience that I will treasure!

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Here are some of my favorite stories that I wrote during my years at the AJW:

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Bringing Lego Judaica to life, Nov. 2015

Songs for Daniel, Oct. 2015

Rescuing art from the Third Reich, Aug. 2014

Fighting childhood hunger, Feb. 2014

Diary of a recount, Nov. 2010

Have a little faith, Sept. 2009

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In 2016, I made a move into the communications department of PACER Center, a local nonprofit that helps families of children with disabilities advocate for their educational rights. (PACER also founded PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center.) I really believe in the mission of organization and all of the people who dedicate themselves to it. It was another great place to learn about how best to use my skills and I'm proud that I was able to contribute to its important work.

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After two years, I made the decision to leave the working world and raise my two young children. I continue to do freelance writing and editing, including publishing an essay in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Miracle of Love (June 2018).

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In 2021, I was asked to return to Marquette Monthly--the publication where it all began--as a contributing writer! I am thrilled to be back writing about the people and places that I know and love.

 

And I'm excited to continue writing the next chapters of my own story!