Originally from Chicago, I arrived in Switzerland in 2006, relieved to discover a country where people can actually pronounce my name. I divide my time between writing, blogging, and copywriting (and let’s be honest, Facebook, Twitter, and Google Reader).

Writing

My essays have appeared everywhere from The Christian Science Monitor to Swiss News, where I write the monthly “Expat Adventure” column. I have also served as a National Geographic Glimpse Correspondent, been commissioned to write and perform a corporate drama by World Radio Switzerland, and my essays have appeared in several best-selling anthologies. Last year I received the Rosalie Fleming Memorial Humor Prize for my satire on the airline industry. And in 2010, I co-founded the Zurich Writers Workshop because Zurich needed something besides a bunch of bankers and lawyers.

I am also at work on Hausfrau: The Memoir, a story about looking for an identity in a country where the bells still ring at 11 a.m. to remind all women to get home and cook lunch.

Copywriting

As a copywriter, I began my career at The Martin Agency and have since developed ad campaigns on two continents for clients like NASCAR, Credit Suisse, GEICO insurance, and many more. My work has been exhibited in the United States, the UK, and China and I’ve been honored by D&AD, The Art Director’s Club of New York, Clio, Prix Suisse de la Campagne Horologere, and others. I’m a graduate of the VCU Adcenter and hold an MS in Mass Communications. I also have a degree in music from the University of Illinois, which makes people ask, “What are you going to do, sing your jingles?” Well actually...

I’ve also influenced young minds by serving as an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where I taught copywriting.

Blogging

When I began blogging in 2006, only one person read my blog (thanks, Mom). Since then, I’ve learned a lot. So much so that my blog about life in Switzerland, One Big Yodel, has been featured on World Radio Switzerland, Expatica, and even in the popular Ron Orp Newsletter.

As a blogger, I’ve also written for clients like Swiss Info, Affordable Calling Cards, and National Geographic Glimpse.

In 2009 I founded Writer Abroad with the mission to create an online community for all writers living outside their home country. Since then, the blog has featured everyone from best-selling authors like Maya Frost  to award-winning journalists like The Wall Street Journal’s Alan Paul.