Meet AWAI-Trained Writer:

Professional Background:

My Professional Background

For as long as I can remember, words have been my constant companions. They’ve taken the shape of romance novels, technical documents, medical communications, and now persuasive copy that helps authors and publishers reach their readers. My journey as a writer has been anything but linear — it’s been a blend of corporate structure, creative passion, and entrepreneurial growth. Looking back, I see how every step prepared me for the work I do today as a romance copywriter.

Early Career Foundations

My professional life began in the corporate world, where I spent more than a decade at Abbott Laboratories, from 1990 to 2006. Working in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment demanded precision, professionalism, and the ability to translate complex information into clear communication. At Abbott, I learned how to meet deadlines under pressure and collaborate with experts across departments — skills that have served me every day since.

In 2007, I moved into healthcare administration at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. For eight years, until 2015, I worked in a setting where attention to detail, discretion, and empathy were essential. Supporting medical professionals and researchers deepened my respect for the power of clear, accurate communication. I saw firsthand how the right words could ease anxiety, improve understanding, and build trust.

These years gave me a strong backbone of organizational skills, professional discipline, and the ability to adapt quickly — qualities that have remained central as I transitioned into writing and entrepreneurship.

The Heart of My Work: Romance Fiction

Even while working full-time in corporate and healthcare environments, I never stopped writing. In 1995, I began pursuing romance fiction seriously. Over the next thirty years, writing became more than a passion; it was a discipline. I drafted manuscripts, created characters readers could root for, and studied the genre inside and out.

Although I never pursued traditional publication, those decades were far from wasted. Writing romance taught me how to tap into the emotions that move people, how to structure a compelling narrative, and how to keep readers turning pages. I learned how universal themes of love, loss, and renewal resonate with audiences. More importantly, I discovered how to connect with readers on a deep emotional level — a skill that directly translates to the copy I write today.

Through those years of fiction, I became fluent in the language of romance: how to create longing, spark curiosity, and deliver satisfying resolutions. These are the same elements that make effective copy, whether it’s an author’s website, a newsletter campaign, or a book blurb.

The Turning Point: Copywriting

By 2024, I realized I could merge my lifelong storytelling experience with the strategic skills I had built in my professional career. That’s when I joined the American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI) and became a member of their Circle of Success program. Through AWAI, I trained in copywriting principles, direct response techniques, and client-focused messaging.

I also enrolled in Steve Slaunwhite’s B2B Writing Apprenticeship program, where I’m currently sharpening my skills in persuasive business writing, including emails, white papers, and sales materials. These programs gave me both the confidence and the credibility to launch my business, Words on Steroids.

Copywriting quickly became the natural extension of everything I’d done before. My years in corporate and healthcare taught me accuracy and professionalism. My decades writing romance taught me emotional storytelling. Copywriting brought it all together into a career that allows me to help others — especially romance authors and publishers — achieve their goals.

Building a Business Around Storytelling

In 2025, I officially launched my niche copywriting business for romance authors and publishers. I understood their struggles firsthand because I had lived them: the exhaustion after finishing a manuscript, the realization that writing the book was only half the battle, and the overwhelming pressure of having to market it too.

That’s where I come in. Through my business, I help authors create heartfelt, persuasive, and professional websites, email sequences, and marketing materials that connect with readers. I also support publishers by writing blurbs, catalog copy, and promotional content that makes their books stand out.

To build visibility, I launched a Substack newsletter called The Swoon Copy. It’s a place where I share insights with romance authors, offering tips on book marketing and showing how emotionally driven copy can help their stories find a larger audience. I’ve also established a presence on Fiverr, where I offer packages for both authors and publishers. These platforms allow me to connect directly with clients, share my expertise, and demonstrate the unique value I bring to the romance writing world.

My Strengths as a Copywriter

What sets me apart is my ability to combine business discipline with emotional storytelling. I’m not just a copywriter who understands the mechanics of persuasion — I’m a romance writer who understands the heart of the story. I know how to translate an author’s voice into compelling website copy. I know how to write emails that keep readers coming back. And I know how to help publishers highlight what makes their books irresistible.

Clients can count on me for:

Clarity and accuracy. My corporate and healthcare background ensures every detail is correct.

Emotional depth. My fiction background means I write copy that resonates and inspires.

Professional reliability. I meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and treat every project with respect.

Looking Ahead

As I continue to grow my copywriting business, my mission is simple: to give romance authors and publishers the best possible chance at success. The publishing world is crowded and competitive, but I believe every story deserves to find its readers. By combining strategy with emotion, I help bridge the gap between creative work and effective marketing.

From the laboratories of Abbott to the hospital halls of Ohio State, from the fictional worlds of my romance novels to the client campaigns I write today, my career has always been about one thing: using words to connect, clarify, and inspire. Now, as a dedicated romance copywriter, I bring all of that experience together to help others share their stories with the world.