I am an award-winning professional journalist and editor with more than 18 years experience at print and online copy editing. After earning my college degree in journalism, I spent 10 years as a writer or copy editor at daily and weekly newspapers in various areas of the United States. During that time, I earned international recognition for excellence in writing while employed as a civilian copy editor and writer by the U.S. Air Force in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the last eight years I devoted my writing and editing skills to online freelance work, where I'm able to cover a wider variety of interesting subjects. My writing versatility and experience includes addressing topics on American, German and Irish history and folklore; indoor and outdoor gardening; regional and ethnic food and drink; fabrics, embroidery and sewing; freshwater fishing and automotive and motorcycle care and repair. My strengths include producing thoroughly edited and accurate pieces per client guidelines. I follow directions and editing suggestions very well, as I've been on both sides of the editorial fence.