"I write ... with a general love for all that is beautiful in life and a specific interest in painting a picture with words, which bring readers to where I have been and allow them to explore it in their own way." ~ L. Rochelle
What makes this writer tick:
Professionally Speaking ...
I thrive in my role as a professional writer,
editor and author consultant in every sense of the
lifestyle. I am published ... nearly 20 years of magazine articles,
numerous freelance corporate projects, and frequent contributions to
others' books, in addition to my own.
An extensive background in executive level administration most often
resulted in writing and editing responsibilities, which provided a
comfortable segue into working with authors and publishers. Marketing and public
relations skills worked their way into both corporate and publishing
industry projects until I could no longer ignore their presence in my
business.
Beginning with local and regional magazines around 1995, I moved into book publishing in the 2000s, gaining experience in nearly all phases, working with independent publishers and advocating for authors. Book editing and consulting was a scene-stealer, and has become a great companion to my own authorship.
With a strong desire to assist other women striving for writing
success, I founded and administered Women Writers of the Desert, a
metro Phoenix organization for nearly five years. After returning to my native California in 2007,
WWD transformed into an online resource to benefit women on a broader
scale; renamed Women Writers Worldwide.
And I never stop honing my craft.
I've lived and worked
through the cataclysmic changes the book publishing industry has
endured since the advent of digital publication, so can speak
knowledgeably with authors about their frustrations and confusion.
Publishing a book was never easy or a get-rich-quick scheme. In today's
world, it has hit an all-time level of what seems to be mass hysteria.
OK, a little writer's exaggeration there, but still, the industry is
more confounded every day. What a tangled web we continue to weave!
It
is always a pleasure however, to talk with authors and help them
determine the best path for their book, from editing to publication and
beyond. My publishing expertise grew in Phoenix while working with a small press publisher as editor, ghost writer, PR rep and author advocate - basically a publishing JackEE of all trades. (And thoroughly enjoyed it.)
Returning to San Diego, I continued as an author advocate for a national independent publisher until early 2012, when it was time to give more attention to Penchant for Penning and my own book projects. As a writer, I'm more excited than ever at the publishing possibilities. My own book series, Blast from Your Past! saw its first edition published in 2012.
Writing, editing, promotion, and wallowing in the publishing industry is what feeds my muse today. And if I ever stop learning ... well, find out where the wake is being held and have fun!
Diversity ...
Desert Jeep Tour Driver, Outdoor Market Radio Announcer, Tourist
Photographer at the San Diego harbor, and Media Supervisor for the Arizona
State Fair, are just a few unique positions in my varied life that have provided keen observational
skills and created innate insights into human nature, found woven throughout my
work.
Enhancing these qualities is a youthful background in the arts, from classical
dance to thespian, to poet. And what differences in my writing
perspicacity would there be had I not been raised by a Navy veteran father with
Midwest values, and an artistic, creative mother, complete with egg carton
lamps and a penchant for the metaphysical?
Education is certainly not all academic ...
Rochelle on Education ...
My "University of Life" education is a fact
that some consider a hindrance, while I see it as a winding path of many
and diverse "higher education degrees."
If this causes you to
hesitate when considering me for a project, please read on before making
a decision of whether or not my writing, editing, or consulting skills
and talents will fit your needs ...
To some people a lack of a
degree coupled with fluctuating job choices may be cause to
categorically dismiss someone's talents and many years of experience.
Others however, have the foresight to realize that a degree is purely
academic―in the truest sense of the word―and varied professional
experiences are an advantage in relating to many walks of life. Of
course I love to learn and had my choices been different, I would have
considered my life richer for having pursued more formal
education. Still learning, I consider every day a waste if I have not
discovered something new.
I also challenge the validity of
degrees obtained more than 20 years ago. So I vote for daily education
and experience ... and no student loans. My writing and editing skills
have been acquired over many years, with extraneous courses and several
extraordinary mentors. I feel no lack in "formal" education.
With a solid and obviously effective primary academic background, I
have been a paid, published writer/editor for more than 20 years.
Many moons ago--this very proud novice writer posed with first color slick magazine article.
More on Life from Rochelle ...
What urges an author to write? Every author's
answer to that question is different, yet the same. Hmmm, that was
conflicting, wasn't it? But it's true.
There may be a superficial
reason for writing ... to impart information ... to tell a story ... to
explore the person within. But for every writer I've ever asked, "Why do
you write?" the answer is always: "I have to. I just have to."
What
is it that infuses our muses with such a strong urgency to ultimately
bond with our keyboards and pens? Why do we feel a consuming need to
express our thoughts in the written word?
Some questions will never be properly answered. And some shouldn't be ... it would spoil all the fun.
Don't ignore your muse. Write!
Feel free to request a resume and/or more information. E-mail your questions or requests: info@penchantforpenning.com
