The lure of the carnie’s life
The St. Augustine Record
Photo credit: Marilee Griffin

This was my first story where the interviewees called me over. I almost felt bad for the carnival workers when they’d try to make a sale and I’d whip out my notebook. Although, having an excuse to interview them was terrific.

The coolest research you never knew existed
The Florida Engineer magazine
Illustration: John Dunne

This short piece required hundreds of e-mails and phone calls, and sent me all over the UF College of Engineering. Writing for the CoE was a crash course in translating difficult subjects.

A lost ball in high weeds
The Florida Engineer magazine
Photo credit: www.eng.ufl.edu

This story resulted from one of my all-time favorite interviews, in which both the subject and I were choked up by the end. Later, when I met Mr. Johnson in person and he said (of the story) “you got me,” I almost choked up again.

Understanding the small stuff
College of Engineering website
Photo credit: Marilee Griffin

While working in the College of Engineering communications office, I had the opportunity to write profiles on several new professors for the website. It was also a chance to come up with creative interview questions.

Tractors of all sizes and shapes entertain crowds, raise money
The High Springs Herald
Photo credit: Marilee Griffin

This was the first story I wrote for the Herald, but I’m fond of it because it captures all the new (often zany) things one discovers when reporting.

The Preacher: Mike Patz, 35
The Satellite magazine
Photo credit: Zachary Bennett

This piece was part of a series titled “Young Gainesville.” It is one of three I wrote for the series, and it was a great lesson in writing something meaningful in under 300 words.

Geeks weird out at WGV
The St. Augustine Record

I pitched this story to the Record in 2008, and it ran front page. During my two days of reporting, I met some colorful characters — literally!

Couple wins $40,000 wedding
The St. Augustine Record
Photo credit: jacksonvillemag.com

For this story, my editor asked for one thing: to make the readers feel like they had attended this event. This advice has stuck with me.

How to write and publish a successful children’s book
Atlantic Publishing
Author: Cynthia Reeser

It was extremely difficult to pick book projects to include as clips, but this is one of my favorites. The best part was suggesting children’s book for the author to include as examples.

The complete guide to making cheese, butter, and yogurt at home
Atlantic Publishing
Author: Richard Helweg

My job at Atlantic Publishing includes peer editing books from an outline to published works. The editor for this book warned me, “Don’t edit this one on an empty stomach.” Good advice!