Manage wide-ranging collaborative and independent writing projects. Partner with clients from diverse backgrounds and experience levels to develop resumes, edit fiction and non-fiction manuscripts, and produce online content. Provide guidance and critiques that enable individuals to strengthen writing skills. Use tools such as Microsoft Office, Squarespace, LinkedIn, WordPress, and QuickBooks to manage business and online presence. Work with small businesses as a contractor, adhering seamlessly to their unique style guides, order management platforms, and client practices. Select Projects:•Authored Magic and Goldfire, a high fantasy novel published under the imprint Mal Luna Press.•Created script for "It Lights the House" and "Orion: A Fairy Tale," published by Warden Comics•Wrote horror reviews and a deep-dive research article on the Black Dahlia murder for DeadTalkNews.com.•Launched clarerushing.com, personal portfolio website showcasing writing samples and blog posts.•Edited and illustrated children’s book with a Texas-based author, surgeon, and indie film maker. Kirkus Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/m-d-hicken/sparky-QxdGxVqo/•Proofread guide about a historical landmark post office in Amarillo, TX that was built originally in 1887.

Partner with owner of a small business to provide personalized, compassionate services to people from all walks of life, such as disadvantaged job seekers, small business owners, military personnel, new graduates, and corporate executives. Deliver projects within a strict 1–2-day turnaround time and 7-day revision period, ensuring all concerns and needs are fully met. Research job postings thoroughly to craft documents that effectively target clients’ unique job goals. Complete average of 6 multi-item projects each week with optimal quality.Select Highlights:•Developed and improved streamlined graphic templates for entry-level, mid-level, and corporate resumes.•Secured employment with company shortly after launch and became senior writer as it steadily expanded. •Earned positive feedback from corporate executives of global companies, military personnel, and other leaders.

Assigned accurate scores to essays written by 4th through 12th grade students for standardized exams, including the STAAR, SAT, ACT, and TEAS. Earned certification for every project after completing rigorous certification training. Gained valuable insight into modern standardized testing and writing methodologies taught in public schools. Navigated content management system to review handwritten and typed essays.Select Highlights:•Maintained 85% or higher agreement with pre-scored control essays used to validate scorer performance.•Assessed students’ ability to write compelling narratives and analyze different perspectives on a topic.

Contributed to streamlining and refinement of content for the WyzAnt tutoring marketplace website. Worked in a hybrid remote and in-office environment, corresponding daily through email about team and companywide activities. Utilized the company’s content management system to evaluate and process substantial volume of content each day. Met on a quarterly basis with team to discuss progress toward goals, website updates, and share ideas for improving performance.Select Highlights:•Consistently reached 95% or higher rating on all metrics during monthly audits with content team supervisor.•Approved or rejected 200+ applications each week submitted by individuals seeking to become WyzAnt tutors.•Reviewed hundreds of biographies, fees, and subject descriptions to ensure compliance with policies.•Improved user experience for potential tutees by editing all content for clarity, spelling, and grammar.

--Participated in TOMS sanctioned special events at participating retailers as a contract artist--Notable retailers included Neiman Marcus, Macy's Zumiez, Akira, and other fashion retailers--Interacted with customers to discuss design idea, and painted images in acrylic on TOMS shoes--Worked with 3 or more artists per event, cultivating a communal, collaborative atmosphere

Researched and wrote promotional copy for professionals in the mental health field to increase website traffic and gain new clientele. Leveraged understanding of psychology to create empathetic articles that appealed to target audience. Improved visibility and online ranking using search engine optimization (SEO) strategies that enabled potential clients to find practitioners who could meet their needs.Select Highlights:•Utilized Flesch-Kincaid readability test to ensure clarity and readability of completed articles. •Received intensive training and ongoing mentorship from owner on copywriting strategies.•Developed engaging website content on mental health practices, diagnoses, and services. •Incorporated unique, relatable narratives into articles that presented therapy in a positive light.

--Organized project materials and put together activities for use in the classroom--Assisted in the development of a statement of intent for an Art-to-Go grant proposal--Participated in daily discussions regarding news and events in the contemporary art world