Writer in Rochester, New York

About me, and my writing history: My name is Jillian, and I currently live in Rochester NY, though I grew up moving around a lot. In NY, I have lived in Buffalo, Amherst, Olean, and now Rochester. I did not move to Rochester until after I had spent my adolescence in Virginia, where I lived in Hampton, Richmond, and Williamsburg (the historical triangle county). I technically wrote my first short story when I was in the first grade, about a kitten that was running away from it's mother cat so that it could turn into a rock and live on a mountain. Since then, I've written short stories, poems, and essays, mostly for myself. Throughout high school, I was copy editor of my school newspaper, as well as a reporter. I took AP English/Literature, AP Journalism, and a two plus two course for journalism in high school, as well. Additionally, I wrote a few freelance articles for the local Williamsburg newspaper The Virginia Gazette, and I have been continuing to write actively throughout college. I have my associates in science and have been studying nursing, although all of my electives have been writing courses. I have taken English 101, Children's literature, Creative writing, and have so far paid my way through school via scholarship essays. I have never received less than an A in any English, Writing, or Literature course. While in the nursing program, I did submit a few pieces to my campus's annual writing competition, where I won the Rice Award 1st Place for Best Creative Nonfiction Essay, and the Cloos-Susskind Award 2nd Place for Best Poem. I have spent the past four years of my life working in bookstores, the first two years at my campus bookstore, and the most recent two years at the local Barnes and Noble. I can say with confidence that I feel most comfortable when I am surrounded by literature and other people who share with me an appreciation for the written word. I am currently earning my living by freelance writing, editing, and transcribing for local magazines and marketing companies. What I am looking for: Writing is my passion and any writing assignment would make me happy. In addition to writing, I have edited many articles, interviews, emails, and website descriptions, as well. I have also transcribed audio files into word documents, as well as transcribing recorded interviews into interview style articles. I have a writer's portfolio that is available upon request that includes the following: clippings of articles, essays, and poems that I've written and that have been published, as well as unpublished essays, short stories, and poems. Essays include both personal nonfiction and academic.