In my thirties, I decided to go back to college after a difficult pregnancy made it impossible to return to my career in the casino industry. Unsure of what was next, I chose to pursue writing—a skill I thought I was already pretty good at. I joined the college newspaper, and to my surprise, my first article made the front page—but only after bleeding heavily under the editor’s red pen. For a moment, I thought I had made a huge mistake and that I wasn’t cut out to be a writer after all. But I quickly realized journalism was a different kind of writing—tougher, sharper, and more rewarding. Working on the newspaper staff and learning from my advisor and mentor, Jane DeRoche, transformed me into not just a better writer, but a stronger editor.
Eventually, I earned a paid internship as Editor-in-Chief, where I successfully led a staff of writers, copy editors, photographers, and layout artists to produce a weekly newspaper with a circulation of 15,000 across three campuses. In this role, I managed every aspect of the editorial process—from story assignments and editing to layout design and publication deadlines—while ensuring high-quality journalism and cohesive storytelling. I utilized Adobe InDesign for layout and design, applied strong project management skills to keep the team on track, and cycled through nearly every position on staff, gaining firsthand experience in what it takes to publish a newspaper from start to finish. Under the mentorship of my advisor, I learned the ins and outs of running a newsroom—a foundation that would shape the rest of my career in writing, editing, and publishing. Read my articles below!
They say to write what you know, and in 2009, I did just that. I pitched an article to San Diego Family Magazine about my experience with hyperemesis gravidarum, a life-threatening pregnancy complication that is often misunderstood or overlooked. In the article, I shared my personal journey through severe illness, isolation, and recovery—hoping to shed light on a condition many expectant mothers silently endure. The piece struck a chord with readers, raising awareness of a rarely discussed issue and helping others feel seen and understood. It became my first paid writing gig, earning me sixty dollars and an invaluable lesson: one published clip can open many doors. Getting that first byline wasn’t easy, but once I had it, other opportunities began to follow. Click the image to read my article!
In 2012, I took on one of my most creatively fulfilling roles yet—as Editor-in-Chief of Herban Gardens Magazine, a quarterly publication focused on gardening, sustainability, and living close to nature. I oversaw every stage of production, from content planning and editorial direction to design and marketing. I led a talented team of freelance writers, layout artists, and copy editors, managing editorial calendars and curating articles that reflected both the magazine’s mission and its readers’ passions. I also handled social media and marketing strategy, helping the magazine expand its reach and community engagement. Using Adobe InDesign, I designed layouts that brought each issue to life, blending visual storytelling with expert content. I conducted interviews, edited features, and aligned every issue with current gardening and sustainability trends. My years at Herban Gardens deepened my skills in leadership, creative direction, and content strategy—bridging my love of writing with my passion for design and storytelling.
In 2013, I took on a new challenge as a freelance journalist for NewsChannelDaily.com, where I reported on assigned news and pitched original story ideas to my editor. My work spanned a wide range of topics—from breaking news and features to human interest and industry-specific stories. I researched, conducted interviews, and verified facts to craft accurate, engaging, and timely articles for an online audience. Writing in AP Style and adapting to the fast pace of digital journalism, I learned how to communicate complex information clearly and compellingly for readers around the world. This experience strengthened my investigative instincts, sharpened my storytelling voice, and deepened my respect for ethical, fact-based reporting in a constantly changing media landscape. Read my articles below!
My next big opportunity came in 2014 when I wrote an article for Seasons Magazine. Not only was I paid more than four times what I made for my first article, but I also spotted an exciting opening—the magazine was expanding into California and needed an Editor-in-Chief for Seasons of Del Mar. I decided to take a chance and apply. Along with completing their editing test, I used my experience with InDesign and layout from the college newspaper to create a full two-page magazine spread complete with stock photos. I didn’t land the Editor-in-Chief position, but my effort didn’t go unnoticed—they created a new role just for me: Associate Editor.
As Associate Editor and Writer for Seasons of Del Mar, I worked closely with the publisher and Editor-in-Chief to develop and deliver the quarterly magazine. I collaborated with freelance writers, edited articles, and provided feedback to ensure every piece aligned with the publication’s voice and style. The Del Mar edition was eventually discontinued, but that experience deepened my understanding of editorial work and strengthened my passion for publishing.
Another opportunity came my way in 2014 when I joined an eLearning company as a copy editor. At first, my role focused on reviewing educational videos for grammar, clarity, and consistency, but it quickly grew into something much larger. As the company evolved into a full-scale production studio, I found myself deeply involved in every stage of the creative process—writing scripts, building storyboards, directing on-screen talent, supervising shoots, editing voiceovers, reviewing final videos, and even working in After Effects to enhance visual transitions. My curiosity and drive to learn carried me from content creation to leadership. Over the years, I advanced through multiple roles, eventually becoming the Content Department Manager, where I oversaw five divisions: Content Curation, Content Development, Quality Control, Content Marketing, and Localization. Managing a team of 34, I led the development of a learning library exceeding 35,000 video tutorials and helped introduce AI-assisted content generation to improve efficiency and engagement. That decade taught me every facet of digital storytelling—from writing and editing to production and strategy—and showed me how creativity, structure, and teamwork can turn education into an art form.
In 2016, I took on a contract role as a Book Editor for Sandiburg Press in San Diego. In this position, I refined and enhanced manuscripts for publication, evaluating each work for structure, coherence, and style while ensuring it aligned with both the author’s vision and the expectations of the target audience. I provided developmental, line, and copy edits to strengthen narrative flow, polish grammar and syntax, and maintain consistency across tone and pacing. Beyond editing, I verified factual accuracy, resolved stylistic inconsistencies, and managed project timelines to ensure manuscripts were delivered on schedule and publication-ready. This experience deepened my understanding of the editorial process from a literary perspective—sharpening my ability to balance creative expression with professional precision and genre standards.
Today, I bring everything I’ve learned throughout my career to the role of Author Success Manager and Owner of RLA Publishing, where I help writers transform their ideas into beautifully crafted, successfully published books. At RLA Publishing, I offer training and coaching programs designed to help writers strengthen their craft, refine their voice, and build confidence in their storytelling. I also provide professional editing services—including developmental, line, and copy editing—for authors who want to elevate their manuscripts to publication-ready quality.
Beyond editing, I guide authors through the often-overwhelming world of publishing, offering assistance with self-publishing on online platforms or preparing submissions to agents and traditional publishers. My support extends into book marketing, where I help authors develop launch strategies, promotional materials, and reader engagement campaigns to reach their ideal audience.
As an author myself, I understand both the creative and practical sides of the journey. I’ve published the first book in my mystery series and am currently writing the second, all while continuing to edit, coach, and publish books for clients and contribute freelance articles. My mission at RLA Publishing is simple but powerful: to empower authors to own their creative process, understand the business of publishing, and confidently share their stories with the world. Click the picture to buy the book!
