EDITORIAL

My Approach to Writing

Writing starts with intense observation, visual as well as auditory, in fact, all-sensory. So I take a mental picture of the object, person, or situation. If necessary, I become the fly on the wall. After the immersion, I step back and let information and impressions sort themselves out. Some facts will float to the top, others will deposit at the bottom, the remaining questions solved with research.

And finally, I reach into my toolbox. The truth comes across through the Who, What, When, Where, and How by finding the most effective wording. I aim to write to the point and present a substantive experience. I can also chisel your business objective optimally to suit your market.

Feature Stories Published

My stories have been published in German Life, Das Fenster, Up Close Publications, Amerika Woche, New Braunfels Herald Zeitung, Münchner Merkur, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Monika, Frau im Leben, Catholic Spirit, Catholic Telegram, Our Sunday Visitor, Hephaistos, Deutsches Waffenjournal, dlz, Oldtimer, La Liberte, and others.

My Writing Experience

I started contributing to the local news in Germany out of high school. My writings have been published in various European and US media. In the process, I have learned the tools of the trade. I am from the old school of reporters that scribbled their information on a napkin. That does not prevent me from using the modern media (cyberspace) the best way I see fit. Now I print books from my very own desktop.

College Textbook Publishing

As Project Editor for Harcourt Brace, I managed 8–10 foreign-language and social science books at one time. It takes many specialists such as authors, reviewers, developmental editors, cover and text designers, copyeditors, permissions editors, proofreader, indexers, and print shop staff to bring a textbook into print. As a project editor, I have worked with all of them. Eventually, I started juggling many freelance book projects on my own.

Copyediting

My specialties have been social sciences, liberal arts, pharmacy (5 years with The Annals of Pharmacotheraphy), and foreign languages (German, Spanish). After starting my freelance business, I have worked on numerous memoirs and novels. Aside from fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency, I easily spot when the plot doesn’t hold. I notice when a character doesn’t pan out. And if a trope is too much of a stereotype, then I will suggest to dig deeper to bring in a new twist. Good writing is full of suspense and surprises.

CLIP BOOK

NEW BRAUNFELS SCHÜTZEN

AZERBAIJAN EXCHANGE
PERFECT PANTS
Caldera NOVEL
FOOD BANK DRIVE
ELLE’S DANCERS
SALT RIVER KAYAKING
BEADS FOR BEAUTIES
SPACE CAMP
DYANA’S FLOWERS
SUMMER CAMP
BLANCO DOLLS
CAMP INVENTION
RELAY FOR LIFE
HIT FOR THE CURE
INFANT SWIM RESOURCE
UNITED FOOD BANK
POPPY POCKETS
RATTLESNAKES
DANCE RECITAL
RIDE FOR SEMPER FI
LIFESTYLES
TREVOR VIGILETTI
EAGLE SCOUTS

A Writer's Praise

THANK YOU. I just read two of your articles in the Mesa Upland paper at a friend's house. You are a good writer.
Dr. Joyce Cook, Principal, Red Mountain Ranch Elementary

Once again I must thank you for the wonderful job you did with your article. Many parents told us that they could actually see the activities as you described in the article. Thank you for all you do to help us succeed.
Anjum Majeed, Principal, Self-Development Charter School

AnnElise, I really love the article! Thank you for such wonderful words. I truly am blessed to have this opportunity!!Michelle asked me if I could get some extra copies for them to keep at Sunshine Acres. Do you have a way to get extras or how can I find a good sized stack of them for Sunshine Acres? Please let me know, I thank you!
Renate Allen, Owner, www.myblanco.net

AnnElise - what a beautiful article you wrote! You are an incredibly gifted story-teller. Thank you for helping to spread the word about Blanco and about Sunshine Acres! Fondly,
Susie Lindahl, Area Manager, Arbonne International

Your story hit all the high points of my life.
Inge McKeever, Director, ¡HOLA! Language Learning Center

The RMR Up Close article on RMR Tennis Tournament for breast cancer was excellent. Your article conveyed the heart that it takes to combat this disease and the strength to survive and thrive as these ladies have in their battles to beat breast cancer. Each of these ladies in their own time showed that strength on the tennis court, too. Appreciate all you have done to bring awareness to our upcoming tennis cancer benefit.
Sherry Mooch, Chair, Hit for the Cure, Red Mountain Ranch Breast Cancer Benefit for the ACS

Anyway, the stories look great. I read them to Brittany and she was very happy.
David Cruz, Developmental Soccer Coach, MSC United (Mesa Soccer Club)

Hi AnnElise, Thank you for the terrific article about the Swing Kids. We truly appreciated you work and please take care and God Bless!
Bill Clinton, Manager, Arizona Swing Kids

Thank you so much. I am about to start another group of students at Las Sendas, and a great deal of them are there because of your article in the paper. Thank you so much for taking the time and interest in myself and Infant Swimming Resource and its drowning prevention program. I truly do appreciate both.
Becky Harris, Instructor, Infant Swimming Resource

Wow, what a great article. You are a terrific writer and have really put the Academy in a favorable light. For that - I thank you. I would love to meet you the next time you are at school. Please stop in and say hi. Again thanks for your tremendous support. Go Knights!
Bob Crispin, Principal, Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Dear AnnElise, Your story really touched our hearts! You completely captured what we are about in one single interview. Even my husband had teary eyes when I read it to him. Thank you so much!
"Sorella Magiore" (Big Sister), Brenda, Sorella's Finishing School

Dear AnnElise, WHAT A WONDERFUL ARTICLE! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! YOU REALLY "GOT" WHAT I WANT TO SHARE AND LET PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THE PROGRAM IS ABOUT!! BLESSINGS,
ELLE HUTCHINGS, Red Mountain Ranch Dance Studio

We just received our copy of the paper today and LOVED the article. Thank you for writing such a glowing and entertaining piece! How do I get extra copies to send to family/friends back home in Texas? Many thanks,
Lynn

Hi AnnElise, I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful article. I really like the way it was arranged, with the photos and everything. I was really surprised that it was on the front cover. That was very nice to see. I've also gotten a lot of compliments from my neighbors, as well as people at work that I showed the article too. Thanks again for doing such a nice job.
Tony Trimboli, Organizer, Team Diabetes

I just wanted to thank you for the great article about the Biggest Loser auditions here at the center. What great photos too! Would you be able to send me 2 additional copies? I would love to send them to the company:) Thanks again!!
Kristina Merten, Assistant Marketing Manager, Westcor, Superstition Springs Shopping Center

Thank you so much for the wonderful article you wrote for the preschool. We have had numerous phone calls and visits. Thanks to you the fall enrollment looks very good. We appreciate all that you do for the community and for us as well. Best wishes.
Anjum Majeed, Principal, Self-Development Charter School

Thank you for the nice write up in the paper! We are really excited to the response we are already getting.
Charity & Bob Little

Write Your Life Story — The Story of Your Life

So you have a story to tell? But you are getting lost in a jungle of information and can’t see the forest for the trees? I can help you make a structure and guided plan. Making order is a skill that a German girl is born with.

Do it now! Stick to your hypothesis, get your data, and follow the narrative arc. Once you have a plan, the important facts will fall into place.

I can help you puzzle all the pieces together in a cogent, fluent way. We will make your book pretty. In English or German.

Please send your sample chapter for a free-of-cost evaluation to

makin_anna@yahoo.com