About Jonelle Foutz

Brief:

I’m a freelance writer with extensive experience writing for businesses and professionals in the Yakima area. I provide clean, targeted copy for print (newsletters, brochures, press releases) and online (Website copy, blogs, product descriptions). I have been successfully self-employed as a writer since 1997.

The Facts...

I earned my bachelor's degree in journalism from San Diego State University, graduating magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and honored with the title "Outstanding Graduate in Journalism" in 1992. My courses were heavy in news and editorial style, with an emphasis on feature writing. I minored in psychology.

I have additional professional experience in graphic design, desktop publishing, and Website construction.

The Fluff...

I love to write. I always have. I remember the feeling of awe when a seventh-grade aptitude test pointed me toward a career in communications. It was like having my secrets revealed by a stranger.

I worked my way through college with a series of receptionist jobs in commercial real estate and investment offices. I've also flipped burgers, run a cash register, and recruited new employees for a major amusement park in Southern California. I've been a telemarketer (don't hate me!) and on my first day working at a flower shop I stood in the cooler and handed out long-stem roses for seven hours (and yes, I actually went back for my second day).

After college I worked as an administrative assistant for the regional manager of a nationally-branded meat company (never knew a pig had so many parts!) and later I worked for the vice president of a large apple processor in the Pacific Northwest. That's where I found myself in the right place at the right time, fortuitously landing a job as their employee communications editor when the then job-holder gave notice.

When my first child was born, I negotiated a contract with my manager and set up a home office. Balancing my Mom job with my Writing job hasn't been easy, but with my youngest (read "last") now in school, I can feel the scales tipping in my favor.

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